High Court Finds Omotoso Not Guilty
Nigerian televangelist Pastor Timothy Omotoso has been acquitted of multiple charges, including rape, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday in the Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha, marking the end of an eight-year-long legal battle.
Omotoso was arrested in April 2017, facing over 63 charges related to allegations brought against him. However, after years of legal proceedings, the court ruled in his favor, clearing him of all accusations.
Judge Criticizes State’s Case
Delivering her judgment, Judge Irma Schoeman strongly criticized the prosecution’s approach, stating:
“No thought went into the State’s cross-examination of the accused. The cross-examination was shallow and lacking the intention to uncover the truth.”
This statement suggests that the prosecution failed to present a compelling case against Omotoso, ultimately leading to his acquittal.
Immediate Deportation to Nigeria
Following the court’s ruling, Omotoso is set to be deported to Nigeria immediately. The decision to deport him follows standard immigration protocols, as his stay in South Africa was largely tied to the legal proceedings.
His case has been one of the most high-profile in recent years, drawing national and international attention. His supporters have maintained his innocence throughout the trial, while his accusers have expressed disappointment at the verdict.https://x.com/Newzroom405/status/1907368397374906776?t=cglkMher_ocdKyXtEwKncQ&s=19
A Controversial Legal Battle Comes to an End
The trial of Pastor Timothy Omotoso has been fraught with delays, legal challenges, and public scrutiny. His arrest in 2017 was widely publicized, and the case became a focal point in discussions surrounding sexual violence and accountability.
With his acquittal, reactions remain mixed. While his followers celebrate his release, critics argue that the ruling does not necessarily mean justice has been served. Regardless, Omotoso’s legal ordeal in South Africa has officially come to a close, with his deportation marking the final chapter of this controversial case.