South African authorities have rearrested Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso for alleged immigration violations, only weeks after he was acquitted of multiple charges including rape, human trafficking, and racketeering by the Eastern Cape High Court.
The Department of Home Affairs confirmed that Pastor Omotoso, leader of the Jesus Dominion International Church, was taken into custody based on findings that he has been residing in South Africa unlawfully. Officials stated that Omotoso’s immigration status had been under review, and he was declared a "prohibited person" following the discovery of irregularities in his visa and residency documentation.
“While the court acquitted Mr. Omotoso of all criminal charges, immigration compliance is a separate matter,” said a spokesperson for the Department. “South Africa’s immigration laws apply to all residents, regardless of legal outcomes in other matters.”
Omotoso was originally arrested in 2017 and faced a high-profile trial involving accusations by multiple women. His acquittal on April 2, 2025, followed a lengthy legal battle that drew widespread attention in South Africa and Nigeria.
His legal team has condemned the latest arrest as "unjust and politically motivated," arguing that the government is using immigration processes to circumvent the court’s ruling.