The High Court of GQEBERHA, Eastern Cape, South Africa, declared all charges of R3PE and human trafficking, Nigeria’s popular Nigerian TV station.
Lib reported that Omotoso was arrested on April 20, 2017. here here here here
Omotoso and his co-defendants, two co-defendants, Lusanda Sulani, 41, and Zikiswa Sitho, 33, have committed no charges against them during the eight-year trial.
The 66-year-old and his two simultaneously defendants face 32 charges, including extortion, human trafficking, R3PE and S3xual assault.
Judge Irma Schoeman made a judgment after detailing evidence from the state, complainant and defense attorney on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
“I think it is incredible that I cannot find evidence of theirs, despite some aspects of the complainant being unsatisfactory. However, it is wrong that I cannot find evidence of the defendant waterfall being rejected,” the court said.
Schoeman added that the sideways check conducted by the prosecutor did not properly test the evidence of the defense.
“It seems to me that this matter belongs to the defendant’s explanation is impossible, and I do not believe them subjectively. However, due to the uncertainty of state actions and the lack of proper cross-examination, I cannot reasonably find that the defendant’s version is so likely to be true,” she said.
“The defendants have no responsibility to convince the court of their innocence. Given all the circumstances of the case, I don’t think the state has proved its case in reasonable doubt.
The judge ruled: “The defendants are not acquitted and they were released on all charges.”
Omotoso, Sulani and Sitho then pray on the bench in the court.
A group of supporters hugged Omotoso shortly after being acquitted in court and shouted “Dad”
Omotoso expressed relief when he spoke to reporters after his acquittal.
“The only thing I can say is that I thank God. I thank God. I give him all the praise. I am 67 this July. I have been in jail for eight years.”
When a reporter asked Omotoso if he was considering suing the state, he said he needed time to think.
He added: “I think it’s better to take a break first. At this age, I’ve been in jail for eight years. I think we should give that.”
In the last court hearing, the state prosecutor said the verdict would mark an outstanding milestone in delayed damage caused nearly eight years since the arrest of the three.
Omotoso, known as the “man of God”, is said to be the leader of the Church of Jesus International (JDI) and his co-defendant is his assistant.
JDI has major branches in South Africa, Nigeria and Israel, and Durban is the country’s headquarters.
“The complainant is a group, an employee or person selected to attend church activities, who use excuses as an excuse and they will benefit spiritually or improve their quality of life.”
The court was informed that Omotoso was allegedly through his joint deliberation, payment and arrangement of complainant to his hotel, Durban, Israel or Nigeria.
“However, once the complainant arrives, Omososo or his assistant will inform them of the house rules, which include turning off the cell phone or being told not to contact male companions and further follow his instructions.
“Omotoso allegedly would choose one of the complainants to go to his private bedroom where he attacked them by r2 or S3X.”
The state said they hope to make a guilty sentence if evidence is presented.
