Timothy Omotoso Released After Lengthy Trial as Gqeberha High Court Delivers Judgment

Timothy Omotoso Released After Lengthy Trial as Gqeberha High Court Delivers Judgment. By George Omagbemi Sylvester

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That Timothy Omotoso, a Nigerian pastor and leader of the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church, was arrested in April 2017 on multiple charges, including racketeering, trafficking in persons, rape, and sexual assault. His arrest led to a protracted legal battle that spanned nearly eight years, marked by numerous delays and legal maneuvers. As of April 2, 2025, the Gqeberha High Court is scheduled to deliver judgment in his case.

 

 

Background and Arrest

 

Omotoso’s JDI church had major branches in South Africa, Nigeria, and Israel, with its headquarters in Durban, South Africa. He was often referred to as “the man of God” by his followers. The allegations against him and his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zikiswa Sitho, involved recruiting congregants, employees, or individuals under the pretext of offering spiritual benefits or improving their quality of life. These individuals were allegedly transported to various locations, including Durban, Israel, or Nigeria, where they were subjected to strict control and, in some cases, sexual exploitation.

 

 

Legal Proceedings and Delays

 

The trial faced numerous delays since the arrest in April 2017. Omotoso made multiple applications for a mistrial, citing prosecutorial misconduct and other issues. In October 2023, the Gqeberha High Court dismissed an application for discharge brought by Omotoso and his co-accused. However, the court acquitted them of almost half of the charges, reducing the number from 63 to 32. The remaining charges included several counts of rape and sexual assault.

 

 

The delays in the trial led to some witnesses withdrawing from the case, indicating they had moved on with their lives and were not interested in reliving their experiences in court. This contributed to the reduction of charges. Despite these challenges, the prosecution remained committed to finalizing the case and serving justice for the victims.

 

 

Current Status

 

As of April 2, 2025, the Gqeberha High Court is set to deliver judgment in the case against Omotoso and his co-accused. The outcome will determine their legal standing and potential sentencing. Omotoso has been denied bail throughout the trial, while Sulani and Sitho have been out on bail.

 

 

Conclusion

 

The case of Timothy Omotoso has been a complex and lengthy legal battle, highlighting challenges in the judicial process, especially concerning cases involving multiple jurisdictions and sensitive allegations. The scheduled judgment on April 2, 2025, is a significant milestone in this protracted case, potentially bringing closure to the involved parties.