Case Against Nigerian Televangelist Timothy Omotoso Adjourned to January 2025

The case against Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani (41) and Zikiswa Sitho (33), has been adjourned to January 22, 2025, for closing arguments. The High Court of South Africa's Eastern Cape Division in Gqeberha postponed the proceedings after the accused took the stand in their defense and were cross-examined by the prosecution.

Omotoso, 63, the senior pastor and founder of Jesus Dominion International in Durban, was arrested on April 20, 2017, facing allegations of rape and human trafficking. He and his co-accused face a total of 63 charges related to the Sexual Offences Act, with alleged victims including girls as young as 13.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) noted in a statement on December 12, 2024, that significant progress had been made in the trial, which has faced delays for almost eight years. The adjournment follows the defense's previous applications for a mistrial and a reconsideration of a judgment concerning their discharge.

Judge Irma Schoeman had dismissed their application for discharge, allowing the trial to proceed. The lengthy delays have led some witnesses to withdraw from providing evidence, resulting in a reduction of the charges from 63.

Omotoso, who has been denied bail, now faces 32 counts, including racketeering, trafficking in persons, rape, and sexual assault. He is accused of using his position within the church to exploit congregants and others, allegedly luring them under the pretext of spiritual benefits