Nigerian Televangelist Timothy Omotoso Deported and Banned for 5 years from South Africa Following Acquittal and Immigration Arrest
Timothy Omotoso, a prominent Nigerian televangelist and senior pastor of Jesus Dominion International, has been deported from South Africa.
The 66-year-old religious leader was deported after his arrest in East London last week and reported to have left the country on Sunday, May 18, 2025, via Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, bound for Nigeria.
Footage circulating online shared by SABC News captured Omotoso at the airport wearing a grey hoodie and dark sunglasses while engaging in a conversation with an immigration official.
Department of Home Affairs says the controversial pastor is not allowed to return to South Africa for the next five years.
The televangelist will only be able to reapply to come back to SA after five years.
His quiet departure marks the latest chapter in a controversial saga that has spanned nearly a decade and stirred nationwide debate in South Africa.
IREPORT247NEWS recalls that on Saturday, May 10, South African authorities announced Omotoso’s re-arrest on immigration-related charges. This came shortly after his release from prison in April 2025, following nearly nine years in detention. Omotoso had been accused of multiple counts of rape and sexual assault involving young female members of his church.
Despite widespread skepticism regarding his defense, the presiding judge ruled in Omotoso’s favor, citing prosecutorial misconduct. The court determined that the state had mishandled key aspects of the trial, including a failure to properly cross-examine the accused. Judge Irma Schoeman remarked that it was “as if cross-examination never even took place,” leading to Omotoso’s acquittal.
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His release sparked public outrage and widespread criticism across South Africa.
Shortly after his acquittal, Omotoso was taken into custody again by immigration and police officials in East London, reportedly just after a church service. This action was confirmed by Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola during a press briefing.
Omotoso’s church, Jesus Dominion International, is headquartered in Durban, South Africa, and he is also the founder of the Tim Omotoso Global Outreach and the Ancient of Days Broadcasting Network, which had built a significant following in parts of Southern Africa. His ministries have been known for large gatherings, healing crusades, and a prominent media presence.
With his deportation, it remains unclear whether Omotoso intends to continue his religious activities from Nigeria or pursue legal avenues to challenge his removal from South Africa.