“Unwelcome Return: South Africa Deports Televangelist Timothy Omotoso After Acquittal

JOHANNESBURG — Controversial Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso has been deported from South Africa after being declared an undesirable person by the Department of Home Affairs, just weeks after his dramatic acquittal on high-profile criminal charges.

Omotoso was officially deported on May 18, 2025, with viral footage showing him being escorted by South African police and Home Affairs officials as he boarded a flight back to Nigeria at OR Tambo International Airport.

The founder of Jesus Dominion International was acquitted in April of 32 charges, including rape, human trafficking, and racketeering — allegations that had kept him behind bars for nearly eight years following his arrest in 2017. His case gripped the South African public and drew widespread international media coverage, particularly due to the graphic nature of the testimonies and repeated delays in the judicial process.

While Omotoso walked free from the courtroom last month, his legal vindication did not spare him from expulsion. According to the South African Department of Home Affairs, his presence in the country was no longer considered welcome, prompting immediate deportation proceedings.

“Mr. Timothy Omotoso has been declared an undesirable person under the Immigration Act. He was removed from the Republic on May 18, 2025,” the department confirmed in a brief statement.

The deportation has reignited debate around South Africa’s immigration and justice systems. Critics argue that Omotoso’s lengthy pretrial detention and eventual acquittal reflect deep flaws in the country’s legal machinery. Others insist his removal was necessary to preserve public trust and prevent further division.

Omotoso’s defense team, meanwhile, has decried the move as politically motivated and unjust, suggesting the televangelist is being punished despite his acquittal.

“This is not just deportation. It’s an attempt to erase a man who was never proven guilty in a court of law,” a source close to Omotoso’s ministry told reporters.

Since his return to Nigeria, Omotoso has remained out of the public eye, with no official statement yet from his church or legal representatives. Whether he will attempt to continue his religious mission from his home country — or mount a legal challenge to his deportation — remains to be seen.

His case, marked by emotional testimony, legal wrangling, and now, forced removal, is likely to be remembered as one of the most polarizing chapters in South Africa’s recent legal history.

From ₦200 to ₦2 Million: Davido’s Barber Reveals Jaw-Dropping Haircut Fee

LAGOS — Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido is not just known for his chart-topping hits and sold-out shows — he’s also turning heads with the amount he reportedly pays for a single haircut: a staggering ₦2 million.

This surprising revelation was made by his longtime barber, Kufre Nnah, the founder of luxury grooming brand Kayz Place, in a social media post that quickly went viral.

Kufre shared photos of himself giving Davido a fresh trim, accompanied by a touching caption that traced their relationship back to the superstar’s childhood.

“I started cutting Davido’s hair when he was just 12 years old, when he used to pay me ₦200,” Kufre wrote. “Today, he’s paying ₦2 million for a haircut… what a journey! So proud to have been part of his story from the beginning.”

He continued by expressing gratitude to the music icon:

“Big thanks to you brother for trusting me all these years. Your success is truly inspiring.”

The revelation has sparked massive reactions across social media, with fans applauding Davido not just for his generosity, but for staying loyal to someone who has been part of his journey since his early days.

“This is what loyalty and gratitude look like,” one user commented. “Davido is a real one.”

Kufre’s story is being celebrated as a reminder of how humble beginnings can lead to extraordinary success, not just for celebrities, but for those who grow with them.

As the barber’s post continues to trend, it’s yet another testament to the cultural impact of Davido — both in and out of the music scene.

…from military rule to mismanaged democracy, Nigeria’s crisis runs deeper than any one president.

By Femi Oyewale