• 19 May, 2025
• FAITH MIMDOO KEGH
• No comment

Timothy Omotoso’s Legal Battle in South Africa.

Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso continues to face legal battles in South Africa that have put both him and the country’s legal system under scrutiny. Omotoso, who leads the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church, has been in and out of jail amid various charges and legal actions. He is also fighting a government attempt to declare him a prohibited person and deport him.

Despite his legal troubles, Omotoso maintains a strong following. His supporters claim he is being unfairly targeted, even likening the government’s actions to opposing divine will.

Last Tuesday, Omotoso was released by a magistrate’s court in East London after being arrested over the weekend on immigration-related charges. The court ruled he could remain free pending the outcome of an appeal against a decision by the Minister of Home Affairs, who had declared him a prohibited person. South African law gives him the right to appeal that decision.

This development comes as the National Prosecuting Authority announced it would appeal Omotoso’s recent acquittal. He was arrested in 2017 and faced over 30 charges, including rape and human trafficking. After a trial lasting more than seven years, an Eastern Cape high court acquitted him and two associates in April 2025, criticizing the prosecution’s failure to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Following his release, Omotoso launched a religious campaign called “New Dawn” in East London. Municipal authorities denied him access to public venues, so he moved the event to private property. He was re-arrested during a vigil on suspicion of entering the country with fraudulent documents—separate from the previous criminal charges.

So far, there has been little visible involvement from Nigerian officials or agencies in Omotoso’s ongoing legal challenges.

FAITH MIMDOO KEGH

Manager – Oversees the daily operations, editorial planning, and strategic direction of the platform. A graduate with a solid academic foundation in media and communication, Faith brings a wealth of experience to the TokinPoint.

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