Timothy Omotosho barred from South Africa
Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso has been deported from South Africa and officially banned from returning to the country for the next five years.
His departure on Sunday, 18 May, follows a prolonged legal battle and a recent ruling by the Department of Home Affairs declaring him a “prohibited person” under the Immigration Act.
Omotoso, the leader of Jesus Dominion International Church, was acquitted by the Gqeberha High Court on 2 April 2025.
The court cleared him of 32 charges, including rape, human trafficking, and racketeering, citing insufficient evidence and prosecutorial mismanagement.
Despite the acquittal, authorities ruled that his continued presence in the country was unlawful.
He was arrested on 10 May in East London after the Minister of Home Affairs rejected his request to overturn his prohibited person status.
Released two days later pending a court review, Omotoso ultimately chose voluntary deportation rather than awaiting further legal proceedings.
The Department of Home Affairs confirmed that Omotoso was escorted by immigration and police officials out of the country via OR Tambo International Airport.
Spokesperson Siya Qoza said, “He is prohibited from returning to South Africa for five years. If he wishes to come back, he will need to apply for reconsideration after that period.”
