A Nigerian televangelist, Timothy Omotoso, has been rearrested just weeks after being acquitted of multiple rape charges. South African authorities, including the police and the Department of Home Affairs, confirmed that Omotoso was taken into custody early Saturday morning in East London.
The 66-year-old, who pastors the Jesus Dominion International church in South Africa, was first arrested in 2017. At the time, he faced 32 serious charges including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. Multiple young women, some of them schoolgirls, testified during the trial. They alleged that Omotoso selected them personally and, after each encounter, would offer prayers seeking forgiveness.
Although Omotoso was detained for nine years while awaiting trial, he was released last month after being acquitted of all 32 charges involving rape, trafficking, and sexual assault.
Confirming his recent arrest, South Africa’s National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola, stated that the development stemmed from immigration-related issues. “Well, I know it’s Omotoso. He was arrested this morning around 5 o’clock in East London as he was finishing the church,” said Masemola.
He added that the operation involved several agencies: “Inspectorate immigration of the Department of Home Affairs, together with the South African Police Service and TRT [Tactical Response Team], did effect the arrest.”
Masemola clarified that the televangelist’s latest arrest is not tied to the previously dropped charges. “The arrest is based on immigration matters. He will appear in court somewhere around Monday, and everybody will know exactly what charges he’s facing. But it’s immigration-related matters,” he said.
Omotoso’s legal battles have drawn widespread attention, particularly due to the nature of the allegations and the involvement of vulnerable young women from his congregation. The new charges are expected to be clarified during his court appearance.
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