Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso is set to leave South Africa despite prosecutors’ plans to appeal his acquittal on rape charges.
Omotoso was found not guilty on 32 charges, including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking, after spending eight years in jail.
According to local media reports, Omotoso was expected to depart from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo Airport on Sunday.
Images showed him at the airport, chatting with an immigration official.
A transport ministry official confirmed that Omotoso didn’t need clearance to leave the country.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced plans to appeal the acquittal, citing “reasonable prospects of a successful appeal.”
The NPA also intended to investigate the team that handled the case.
Omotoso heads the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church, with branches in South Africa, Nigeria, and Israel.
He was rearrested on May 10 on immigration charges and faced deportation.
However, a magistrates court ordered his release, ruling that he couldn’t be detained without charges for over 48 hours.
The case has sparked public debate about justice and accountability, with many questioning the acquittal and the handling of the case.
AFP
