By Ghazali Ibrahim 
Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso has been rearrested by South African authorities just weeks after his controversial acquittal on multiple rape and human trafficking charges.
The 66-year-old founder of Jesus Dominion International Church was apprehended early Saturday morning in East London, South Africa.
Confirming the arrest, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola stated that the operation was carried out around 5 a.m. by a joint team from the South African Police Service, the Department of Home Affairs’ immigration unit, and the Tactical Response Team.
“Well, I know it’s Omotoso. He was arrested this morning around 5 o’clock in East London as he was finishing the church,” Masemola told reporters.
“The arrest is based on immigration matters. He will appear in court somewhere around Monday, and everybody will know exactly what charges he’s facing. But it’s immigration-related matters.”
Omotoso was initially arrested in 2017 and charged with 32 counts, including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking.
Several young women, some still in school at the time testified during the high-profile trial, alleging that they were manipulated and sexually abused by the pastor under the guise of spiritual healing.
They recounted disturbing experiences in which Omotoso reportedly prayed for forgiveness after assaulting them.
After spending nearly nine years in detention, Omotoso was acquitted last month of all charges, BlackBox Nigeria reported.
His latest arrest raises new questions about his legal status in South Africa and whether he had violated immigration laws during his years in ministry.
Authorities have yet to disclose the specific immigration charges he will face in court on Monday.
