Fury Erupts in South Africa as Calls for Nigerian Pastor’s Deportation Intensify After Shocking Acquittal

Gqeberha, South Africa – Outrage is sweeping across South Africa following the controversial acquittal of Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso on rape and human trafficking charges. The verdict, handed down by the Gqeberha High Court on Wednesday, has sparked a firestorm of criticism, with political groups and civil society demanding his immediate deportation.

Omotoso, who spent eight years behind bars alongside his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, was released after a lengthy and troubled trial. His sudden freedom has ignited protests, with many South Africans accusing the justice system of failing victims of sexual abuse.

The country’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has come under heavy scrutiny, admitting that delays in the trial caused key witnesses to withdraw, making it difficult to secure a conviction. Luxolo Tyali, the NPA spokesperson, stated, “Some witnesses no longer wanted to proceed with giving evidence, as they have moved on with their lives and do not want to relive their experiences in court.”

Despite the court’s ruling, reports indicate that authorities are considering deporting Omotoso back to Nigeria, though official confirmation remains pending.

Political Groups Demand Swift Deportation

Leading the charge for Omotoso’s removal is ActionSA, a political party founded by former Johannesburg Mayor Herman Mashaba. The party issued a scathing statement, condemning religious leaders who exploit faith for personal gain and demanding the pastor’s immediate expulsion.

“ActionSA firmly opposes the infiltration of South Africa by dubious entrepreneurs and self-proclaimed ‘biblepreneurs’ who prey on hard-working and unsuspecting citizens,” the group declared.

The statement further emphasized, “Omotoso has no place in our country. He has been accused of heinous crimes, including human trafficking and sexual assault involving vulnerable women and minors.”

ActionSA has called on immigration officials to revoke Omotoso’s residency, place him on the national sex offenders’ register, and bar him from any position granting him access to vulnerable individuals.

A Legacy of Scandal and Allegations

Omotoso, the 66-year-old leader of Jesus Dominion International Church, gained notoriety for his lavish lifestyle and controversial ministry, which promised miraculous healings and prophecies. Arrested in 2017, he was charged with multiple offences, including sexual assault and trafficking young women, some of whom were members of his church’s gospel group, Grace Galaxy.

His church in Port Elizabeth was eventually shut down after mass protests, with enraged South Africans demanding justice for alleged victims. Unverified reports also suggested that one of the women who testified against him received death threats before the trial.

A Justice System Under Fire

Omotoso’s acquittal has reignited fierce debates about the effectiveness of South Africa’s judicial system in handling sexual abuse cases. Critics argue that the case highlights systemic failures, from witness intimidation to the slow pace of prosecutions, which often discourage survivors from seeking justice.

While Omotoso walks free, his future in South Africa remains uncertain. With public anger at a boiling point and mounting pressure on authorities, his deportation may be the only way to quell the growing unrest.

For many, however, the wounds left by this case may never fully heal.

Dr. Chris Okafor, the distinguished Generational Prophet of God that I know, marks a year of existence
…A Paradigm of Uniqueness

~By Sunday Adeyemi

Dr. Chris Okafor, The Generational Prophet of God, my esteemed father in the Lord and great mentor, in whom I have immense confidence. It’s another year to commemorate your birthday; celebrating you is an ongoing celebration for me, as you are a rare gem and one in a million.

I am delighted to be of your Son, I join the family of the distinguished Popular Lagos Prophet Dr. Chris Okafor, My Father The Senior Pastor of Grace Nations International Church, aka Liberation City whose headquarters is located at Liberation close Oshofisan street by Ereke Bus-stop ojodu Berger Lagos Nigeria, in celebrating his birthday on every 4th of April. On this special occasion, I extend my warmest felicitations to him and his entire family

On this significant occasion, respected spiritual leader, may you recognize the profound impact your life has had on those around you and appreciate the love, support, and blessings you’ve received

It is thrilling for me to be part of this momentous celebration with all the Grace Nation Family, your family, friends, and well-wishers, and I wish you a birthday replete with love, laughter, and unbridled joy

On this day as you celebrate another year of impactful life, may the Almighty continue to lavish His blessings upon your new age, granting you increased prosperity, Grace, favor, mercies, and lasting blessings, and from this day forward, all reports and testimonies concerning you and your household shall be remarkably positive

Your outstanding characteristics have earned you a notable position among your contemporaries in Christendom, and I urge you to maintain this superior standard, sir

I offer my sincerest prayers that God will continue to bless you and show you kindness and graciousness now and forever. I wish you many happy returns.

I remain your dedicated and loyal Son, Sunday Adeyemi; publisher of Society Herald magazine and online.

President Tinubu Congratulates Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing at 50

President Bola Tinubu congratulates Aare Adetola Olaniyi Emmanuel-King, the Chairman and CEO of Adron Group, on his 50th birthday.

The President joins family, friends, and well-wishers to celebrate the entrepreneur and philanthropist who has remained steadfast in making affordable housing accessible to many Nigerians.

Aare Emmanuel-King, with over 62 estates and a workforce of 3,000, has received numerous chieftaincy titles and awards in property and estate development, including Lagos State Man of the Year (2019) and Property Developer of the Year (2021).

President Tinubu commends the real estate developer for his contributions to the government’s vision of reducing the nation’s housing deficit.

The President wishes Aare Emmanuel-King joyful celebrations and continued success in his endeavours.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)