End of the Road: Nigerian Pastor Timothy Omotoso Faces Deportation After Legal Storm in South Africa

Nigerian Televangelist Timothy Omotoso Set for Deportation from South Africa

Nigerian televangelist and founder of Jesus Dominion International Church, Timothy Omotoso, is set to be deported from South Africa after opting to voluntarily leave the country following his recent re-arrest by immigration authorities.

According to South African media outlets SABC and Newsroom Afrika, Omotoso is expected to depart the country today, Sunday, May 18, 2025, though the exact time of his departure remains unconfirmed. He is reportedly leaving via OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Footage showed him speaking with immigration officers at the airport.

Omotoso had travelled from his Durban home to Johannesburg, where he was handed over to immigration and police officials. His deportation process began after his May 10 arrest in East London, which followed the Department of Home Affairs’ refusal to reverse his designation as a prohibited person in South Africa.

The development comes weeks after the Gqeberha High Court acquitted Omotoso of 32 charges including rape, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation. His co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, were also cleared of all charges.

In her ruling, Judge Irma Schoeman noted that while the complainants appeared credible, the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence to disprove the defence’s claims. The lengthy case had faced multiple procedural setbacks, including mishandling of witnesses and evidence by the National Prosecuting Authority.

Following his acquittal, Omotoso’s immigration status came under renewed scrutiny, leading to his re-arrest and now, imminent deportation.