Home Affairs tells Parly Omotoso can still be extradited at a later stage

CAPE TOWN - The Department of Home Affairs has told Parliament that Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso hasn’t gotten away completely scot free and can still be extradited at a later stage.

The department has also reiterated that he can still be charged by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in absentia and as an undesirable person in the country.

Omotoso was deported to Nigeria on Sunday and is not permitted back for five years.

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Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber and his department were briefing the committee on a range of issues, including dealing with undocumented children as well as legal cases involving the department.

Home Affairs director general Livhuwani Makhode questioned the East London Magistrates Court decision to let Omotoso walk on immigration-related charges, saying his rearrest was done correctly.

He also said the NPA is well within its rights to appeal the rape and human trafficking case against Omotoso in his absence because South Africa and Nigeria have an extradition agreement.

He said the minister can waive his decision declaring Omotoso undesirable to face charges.

“In this case, it would be for that person to come and face the charges they might be brought into the country for. I think we do have a very good relationship with Nigeria through the extradition agreement that has been signed by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation with the Republic of Nigeria.”

Schreiber said Omotoso was in the country illegally and had to be deported despite facing an appeal.