South Africa based Nigerian preacher, Timothy Omotoso who was acquitted of charges of rape and other offences has expressed deep appreciation to God for breathing the air of freedom.
Omotoso was discharged and acquired for want of evidence for the crimes he allegedly commited. The case went on for 8 years while he was in prison.
The other people accused with him, Lusanda Sulani and Zikiswa Sitho, were also acquited.
Looking quite distraught Omotoso told reporters as he stepped out of prison into the court premises that he could only thank God for now.
He was breathing appreciation to God.
He said repeatedly, ‘I thank God. I can only thank God. I will be 67 in July. I have been in prison for eight years. I thank God.
When asked if he would consider pursuing a legal action against his accusers, he said, ‘i think I want to rest now. I want to rest. I will think about that later.’
When pressed further, he said it is only God that can determine his next line of action.
It will be recalled that Omotoso an indigene of Oyo State and founder of Jesus Dominion International in South Africa was arrested in 2017 as he wanted to leave South Africa and had been put behind bars having been accused of rape and sundry offences
His trial was said to be the first major rape case to be broadcast live in South Africa. It attracted the media and women rights activists
But Judge Schoeman on Wednesday April 2 acquitted Omotoso, Sulani, and Sitho of all charges in the Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha.South.Africa.
According to reports, ‘She ruled the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt, citing inadequate cross-examination and prosecutorial mishandling,’
Though she acknowledged weaknesses in the defense’s narrative. Omotoso, would be deported to Nigeria.
‘The acquittal of Omotoso and his co accusers have been greeted with mixed reactions.. Some feel for him while some especially women rights activists involved in the matter were not happy with the judgement and hoped there will be an appeal by the South African National Prosecution Authority.