Timothy Omotoso, the controversial Nigerian televangelist recently acquitted of rape, human trafficking, and sexual assault, is back in police custody.
Timothy Omotoso arrested: Here’s what we know
He was arrested in East London early Saturday morning, 11 May 2025, by a joint task team from the Department of Home Affairs and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
National Police Commissioner General Fanie Masemola confirmed the arrest, stating that Omotoso is now facing charges under the Immigration Act.
“This morning in East London at about [05:00], the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Inspectorate, together with the South African Police Service, arrested Omotoso in the town just after the church,” Masemola said.
“He will be facing charges relating to the violation of the Immigration Act.”
Omotoso is currently being held at the Mdantsane police station and is expected to appear in court on Monday.
This arrest comes just weeks after the Gqeberha High Court found Omotoso and his two co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zikiswa Sitho, not guilty on 32 charges. These included rape, trafficking in persons, and racketeering. Despite walking free from the criminal charges, Omotoso’s legal troubles were far from over.
The Department of Home Affairs had already begun deportation proceedings against the 66-year-old, stating that he had overstayed his legal right to remain in South Africa.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that although the court cleared him of criminal wrongdoing, Omotoso had no valid documentation to stay in the country and would be deported.
A charge under the Immigration Act can carry serious penalties. In simple terms, the Act makes it a criminal offence to stay in South Africa without proper legal documents.
For someone like Omotoso, who is high-profile and whose residency has been under scrutiny, this can lead to immediate detention and deportation.
The process typically involves holding the individual at a secure facility until travel arrangements are made to send them back to their country of origin.
What makes the situation even more serious is that this arrest may suggest there is more to uncover about Omotoso’s presence in the country. Authorities could be working to ensure that he is not only deported but held accountable under local immigration laws that he allegedly ignored for years.
Omotoso’s long-running legal saga has gripped South Africa for nearly a decade, with court proceedings dragging on since his initial arrest in 2017. The acquittal in April 2025 sparked controversy and public debate, particularly after the judge noted the prosecution’s weak cross-examination of the accused.
Judge Irma Schoeman stated that even though the accused’s stories were hard to believe, the State failed to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Now, as Omotoso sits behind bars once again — this time for allegedly violating immigration laws — South African authorities appear to be moving swiftly to conclude what has been a drawn-out and complex legal battle.
His upcoming court appearance is expected to provide more details on the charges and clarify the next steps in the deportation process.
