Controversial Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso has launched an urgent application in the High Court to contest his classification as a prohibited person in South Africa.
This legal move comes shortly after his arrest in East London on Saturday morning, for allegedly violating the country’s immigration laws.
The 66-year-old leader of the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church was detained by officials from the Department of Home Affairs’ Immigration Inspectorate in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS).
According to SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, Omotoso was taken into custody around 5 am following a church service in the Eastern Cape.
Authorities confirmed that he is expected to face charges related to contravening the Immigration Act.
Omotoso’s arrest comes just weeks after his acquittal on a string of serious charges, including rape, human trafficking, and sexual assault.
He and his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zikiswa Sitho, had faced a total of 32 charges ranging from rape to racketeering and trafficking in persons. The lengthy trial spanned eight years before concluding with their acquittal.
Following the trial, Omotoso turned to the courts to challenge his designation as a prohibited person.
Although the court ordered the Department of Home Affairs to review the decision, Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber upheld the original ruling, effectively barring Omotoso from remaining in the country.
A statement from the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster confirmed that the arrest followed the minister’s decision to reject Omotoso’s application under Section 8(7) of the Immigration Act.
Omotoso appeared in court on Monday and is expected to be formally charged with immigration-related offences in the coming days.
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