Weeks after being cleared of many rape allegations, Timothy Omotoso, a Nigerian televangelist, was arrested again.
The televangelist was taken into custody early on Saturday morning in East London, according to confirmation from the Home Affairs Department and South African police officials.
The 66-year-old pastor of the South African-based Jesus Dominion International church was detained in 2017 on 32 accusations, including human trafficking, rape, and sexual exploitation, according to The Intercept.
According to testimony from several young ladies, some of whom were still in school at the time, Omotoso personally selected them and would ask for forgiveness after every interaction.
However, Omotoso was released last month, nine years after he was jailed to be tried on charges of raping and sexually assaulting several young women from his church.
Omotoso was acquitted last month on all 32 charges of rape, trafficking and sexual assault against him.
Confirming the development, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola said Omotosho’s rearrest was based on immigration matters, adding that he will appear in court on Monday.
READ ALSO: Shock in Lagos: Police Nab Suspected Ritualist Caught with Fresh Human Organs
He said, “Well, I know it’s Omotoso. He was arrested this morning around 5 o’clock in East London as he was finishing the church,” said
“Inspectorate immigration of the Department of Home Affairs, together with the South African Police Service and TRT [Tactical Response Team], did effect the arrest.
“The arrest is based on immigration matters. He will appear in court somewhere around Monday, and everybody will know exactly what charges he’s facing. But it’s immigration-related matters.”
