After spending eight years in prison, Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso has been acquitted of all charges related to the alleged rape of young women from his South African church. Omotoso, who had consistently denied the 32 charges against him, faced a high-profile trial that was broadcast live and drew widespread attention across the country.
In 2018, a witness testified that Omotoso raped her when she was 14 years old at his church in Port Elizabeth. However, on Wednesday, the presiding judge ruled that he was not guilty, citing prosecutorial mishandling of the case. South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) echoed this sentiment, stating that previous prosecutors acted improperly and failed to adequately cross-examine the accused. The NPA now plans to review its legal options, while also noting that the trial’s length was partly due to Omotoso’s multiple legal challenges.
Omotoso, who was dramatically arrested at an airport in 2017 while attempting to leave the country, expressed gratitude for the verdict, saying he thanked God. His co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zikiswa Sitho, were also acquitted.
His trial was the first major rape case in South Africa to be televised live, sparking national debates on victims’ rights, judicial impartiality, and the impact of courtroom broadcasting on justice. Following his acquittal, South African media outlet News24 reported that Omotoso will be deported to Nigeria.
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