Controversial Nigerian televangelist, Timothy Omotoso, 66, has been arrested in East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The arrest took place early Saturday morning, around 5 a.m., when Omotoso was apprehended by the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Inspectorate, in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS).
General Fanie Masemola, the National Commissioner of SAPS, confirmed the arrest, noting that Omotoso was detained just after leaving his church. Omotoso will face charges related to violations of the Immigration Act, and he is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
The televangelist is currently being held at the Mdantsane police station.
Omotoso’s arrest comes just weeks after his acquittal on charges including rape, human trafficking, and sexual assault. He and his two co-accused, Lusanda Sulani, 41, and Zikiswa Sitho, 33, were cleared of 32 charges that included racketeering, trafficking in persons, and sexual abuse. The case had been ongoing for eight years.
Omotoso is known as the leader of the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church, with his co-accused acting as his assistants during the time of the alleged crimes.
