South Africa Deports Nigerian Pastor Timothy Omotoso After Rape Acquittal

Omotoso, 66, was arrested in April 2017 at Port Elizabeth International Airport after a high-profile investigation into allegations that he sexually assaulted and trafficked young women recruited into his Durban-based church. The charges stemmed from claims by over 30 women, some as young as 14, who alleged that Omotoso lured them with promises of spiritual guidance and music opportunities, only to subject them to abuse at church properties in Durban and Umhlanga. Prosecutors accused him of running a cult-like operation, exploiting his charisma and wealth to manipulate vulnerable congregants. The case drew widespread attention due to Omotoso’s flamboyant persona, marked by flashy suits and a private jet, and his church’s popularity among South Africa’s youth.

The trial, one of South Africa’s longest-running criminal cases, faced numerous delays due to Omotoso’s frequent changes of legal counsel and health-related adjournments. In March 2025, the Port Elizabeth High Court acquitted him on 63 charges, including rape, racketeering, and human trafficking, citing insufficient evidence and inconsistencies in witness testimonies. The ruling sparked outrage among victims’ advocates, who argued that the justice system had failed survivors of gender-based violence. However, the court upheld Omotoso’s detention pending a review of his residency status, as his visa had expired during his incarceration.

On May 17, the Department of Home Affairs revoked Omotoso’s permanent residency, declaring him an undesirable person under South Africa’s Immigration Act due to his expired visa and the public controversy surrounding his case. He was detained at a deportation center in Pretoria before being flown to Lagos on a commercial flight, accompanied by immigration officials. Upon arrival, Omotoso was received by Nigerian authorities and released to his family, with no immediate charges filed against him in Nigeria. His wife, Taiwo, and senior church members had maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal, claiming the allegations were a conspiracy to tarnish his ministry.

The deportation closes a chapter in a saga that exposed tensions over foreign religious figures in South Africa, where Nigerian pastors have faced scrutiny for alleged exploitation. It also reignited debates about the country’s handling of gender-based violence cases, with activists calling for reforms to protect witnesses and streamline prosecutions. Omotoso’s church, which once boasted thousands of followers, has significantly declined, with many branches closing. In Nigeria, his return has raised questions about whether he will attempt to revive his ministry, though local religious leaders urged caution, citing the need for accountability and victim support.