Authorities aim to challenge the recent court decision on Timothy Omotoso, citing potential extradition through bilateral agreements with Nigeria.
South Africa Moves to Appeal Acquittal of Pastor Timothy Omotoso on Rape Charges
South Africa Moves to Appeal Acquittal of Pastor Timothy Omotoso on Rape Charges
Legal actions continue against the Nigerian televangelist despite his departure from South Africa.
South African authorities have announced their intention to pursue an appeal against Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso, who was acquitted of rape charges last month. Omotoso, the leader of the Jesus Dominion International Church, faced 32 allegations of sexual assault involving young female congregants in Port Elizabeth. Despite his acquittal, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is moving forward with legal proceedings, asserting that his absence from the country does not hinder the appeal process.
Recent reports indicate that Omotoso was caught on camera leaving OR Tambo International Airport en route to Nigeria, dressed in a hoodie and sunglasses. He initially faced arrest back in 2017 while attempting to leave South Africa. Among his accusers, one woman stated that the pastor raped her when she was just 14 years old.
Following the verdict, South African prosecutors noted that "there are no legal grounds to prevent" Omotoso's exit from the country. However, the NPA indicated that should the appeal proceed favorably, they would initiate extradition proceedings based on the existing bilateral treaty between South Africa and Nigeria. Additionally, Omotoso could face immigration penalties, including a five-year ban from South Africa, as he had been previously deemed to be in the country illegally.
The trial, which garnered significant media attention, marked a historic moment in South Africa as it was the first high-profile rape case to be broadcast live across the nation.
Recent reports indicate that Omotoso was caught on camera leaving OR Tambo International Airport en route to Nigeria, dressed in a hoodie and sunglasses. He initially faced arrest back in 2017 while attempting to leave South Africa. Among his accusers, one woman stated that the pastor raped her when she was just 14 years old.
Following the verdict, South African prosecutors noted that "there are no legal grounds to prevent" Omotoso's exit from the country. However, the NPA indicated that should the appeal proceed favorably, they would initiate extradition proceedings based on the existing bilateral treaty between South Africa and Nigeria. Additionally, Omotoso could face immigration penalties, including a five-year ban from South Africa, as he had been previously deemed to be in the country illegally.
The trial, which garnered significant media attention, marked a historic moment in South Africa as it was the first high-profile rape case to be broadcast live across the nation.
