After Years in Jail, Pastor Omotoso Found Not Guilty in High-Profile Case
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After spending eight years behind bars, Nigerian pastor and televangelist Timothy Omotoso has been acquitted of all charges related to sexual assault allegations involving young women from his South African congregation.
Omotoso had faced 32 counts, including rape and human trafficking, which he consistently denied throughout a trial that was televised nationwide and drew significant public attention.
The charges stemmed from accusations made in 2018, including testimony from one woman who claimed she was raped by Omotoso when she was just 14 years old. At the time, he was leading a church based in Port Elizabeth.
On Wednesday, the judge overseeing the long-running case ruled that Omotoso was not guilty, citing procedural failings by the prosecution. According to the ruling, critical missteps by the prosecutors weakened the case substantially.
South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) echoed these concerns, acknowledging that previous prosecutors in the matter had mishandled parts of the trial and failed to adequately challenge the defense.
The NPA stated it is reviewing its legal avenues moving forward. It also attributed the lengthy duration of the trial in part to multiple legal motions filed by Omotoso and his legal team.
Reacting to the outcome, Omotoso expressed gratitude, telling reporters that he thanks God for the decision.
His two co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zikiswa Sitho, were also cleared of all charges.
Omotoso’s arrest in 2017 made headlines when he was apprehended at an airport while allegedly attempting to flee the country.
This case became the first high-profile rape trial in South Africa to be broadcast live—sparking national dialogue about survivors’ rights, media influence on judicial processes, and whether courtroom transparency helps or hinders justice.
Following the not-guilty verdict, local news outlet News24 reported that Omotoso will be deported to Nigeria.
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