Omotoso
By Nkosana Khumalo
The Department of Home Affairs has firmly stated that Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso has not escaped the reach of justice, despite being deported to Nigeria on Sunday, 18 May 2025. South African authorities have reiterated that Omotoso remains a subject of ongoing legal processes, including a possible extradition and trial in absentia, as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) pushes ahead with its appeal of his acquittal.
This significant update was delivered during a briefing to Parliament, where Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber and Director-General Livhuwani Makhode emphasised the government’s commitment to holding Omotoso accountable, regardless of his physical location.
A Ban Does Not Equal Immunity
Omotoso was banned from re-entering South Africa for five years after it was discovered that he had overstayed his visa since 2017 and used fraudulent immigration documents. According to Home Affairs spokesperson Siya Qoza, “He is de-listed under two categories… he had a fraudulent permit before and then he overstayed for an extensive time.”
Despite this immigration ban, officials were quick to stress that legal mechanisms remain in place to ensure Omotoso can be brought back to South Africa to face justice, if necessary.
“In this case, it would be for that person to come and face the charges they might be brought into the country for. I think we do have a very good relationship with Nigeria through the extradition agreement that has been signed by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation with the Republic of Nigeria,” said Makhode.
The NPA’s Appeal Continues
Even though Omotoso is no longer physically present in the country, the National Prosecuting Authority is proceeding with its appeal against his 2 April 2025 acquittal on rape and human trafficking charges. NPA spokesperson Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga clarified that “The South African legal system does not require active participation or presence of an accused person during the hearing of an appeal by a court.”
If the appeal succeeds, the NPA intends to use all available international and bilateral legal channels to seek Omotoso’s extradition back to South Africa. “The NPA will utilise all existing bilateral, regional and international cooperation treaties and mechanisms to ensure he is extradited to South Africa,” Mhaga added.
The NPA believes that the trial was marred by procedural errors and mishandled evidence, which they are confident could result in the verdict being overturned.
Home Affairs Questions Court Decision
Home Affairs Director-General Makhode also questioned the East London Magistrate’s Court’s decision to release Omotoso on immigration-related charges. He insisted that the arrest conducted by immigration officials was lawful and that the department stands by its decision to deport him.
This criticism highlights an ongoing tension between law enforcement, immigration enforcement, and the judiciary in cases where high-profile suspects are involved.
Omotoso’s Deportation: A Chronology
Omotoso’s exit from South Africa followed years of legal battles and widespread public attention. On 18 May 2025, he boarded a South African Airways flight to Lagos from OR Tambo International Airport, accompanied by law enforcement officials. This marked the end of his contentious presence in the country.
Weeks earlier, on 2 April 2025, he was acquitted by the Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha on multiple serious charges, including rape and human trafficking. His acquittal sparked outrage among civil society groups, survivors’ advocacy networks, and women’s rights organisations, who accused the system of failing the victims.
Home Affairs acted swiftly following the acquittal, citing his prolonged illegal stay and fraudulent paperwork as grounds for his deportation and designation as an undesirable person under South African immigration law.
Focus Now Shifts to Taiwo Omotoso
While Timothy Omotoso may have exited the country, the Department of Home Affairs has now turned its attention to his wife, Taiwo Omotoso, who remains in South Africa. Early investigations suggest she may be in the country illegally, and Home Affairs is investigating the validity of her documents.
Steven Van Neel, head of immigration enforcement, said, “We’re still looking into her, and we’ll follow the necessary processes from our side. But early indications are that she’s not legal in the country.”
Taiwo Omotoso’s legal status could soon come under formal review. Home Affairs has advised her to return to Nigeria voluntarily to avoid arrest and deportation. If she fails to do so, the department has confirmed that it will take the necessary enforcement actions.
Parliamentary Oversight and Accountability
Minister Schreiber, who recently assumed his post as Minister of Home Affairs, used the parliamentary platform to reaffirm his department’s commitment to accountability, rule of law, and institutional transparency.
He addressed questions from Members of Parliament about how a high-profile figure like Omotoso was able to remain in the country for years despite his visa violations. Schreiber attributed part of the failure to administrative backlogs and legacy challenges within the department, but assured the committee that reforms are being implemented to prevent similar lapses.
He also underscored that deportation does not shield individuals from facing charges. “Deportation was necessary under immigration law, but that doesn’t stop the wheels of justice. If the NPA’s appeal is successful, we will use our diplomatic and legal channels to bring Mr Omotoso back to South Africa,” said Schreiber.
A Legacy of Controversy
Timothy Omotoso’s tenure in South Africa has been defined by controversy. He founded the Jesus Dominion International Church, which operated across various provinces, including Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Gauteng. Over the years, his name became synonymous with scandal as allegations of sexual exploitation, cult-like control, and financial manipulation surfaced.
During his trial, Omotoso maintained his innocence, and his legal team consistently argued that he was the victim of religious persecution and character assassination. Nonetheless, multiple witnesses gave harrowing testimony about sexual abuse and human trafficking, some of which took place when they were minors.
His wife, Taiwo, stood by him throughout the legal process, attending court hearings and expressing support through public prayers and symbolic gestures. Critics argue that she played a supporting role in enabling his abuses by controlling and intimidating witnesses.
A Ten-Year Legal Journey
The legal proceedings against Omotoso began as far back as 2015, when the first complaints were filed. His arrest in 2017 at the Port Elizabeth Airport marked the beginning of a protracted court battle, which saw numerous delays due to technical objections, witness safety issues, and procedural challenges.
The trial garnered nationwide attention, with advocacy groups mobilising public support and attending court hearings in protest or solidarity with victims. When his acquittal was finally announced in April 2025, it triggered shock and disbelief, but also reinvigorated efforts to reform how gender-based violence cases are handled in South Africa’s legal system.
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