Crime
Outrage As South Africa’s NPA Moves To Appeal Pastor Omotoso’s Rape Acquittal
South African prosecutors have announced plans to appeal the controversial acquittal of Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso, who faced multiple rape allegations in a case that has sparked public outrage and renewed debate about gender-based violence in the country.
Omotoso, 66, who heads the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church based in Durban with branches in Nigeria and Israel, was acquitted after the court ruled that the prosecution mishandled the case.
The ruling came despite the judge acknowledging that some of the pastor’s explanations were “improbable.”
SEE ALSO: Nigerian Pastor Omotoso Rearrested In South Africa After Rape Acquittal
“The NPA (National Prosecuting Authority) takes the view that there are reasonable prospects of a successful appeal despite the complexities of the legal process,” the authority said in a statement on Tuesday.
The NPA also confirmed it is continuing an internal probe into the conduct of both prosecution teams involved in the case, with a full report expected by June.
Omotoso was first arrested in 2017 after a lengthy manhunt. He faced 32 charges, including rape and human trafficking.
Around 20 women came forward, some claiming they were handpicked and sexually assaulted by the pastor—allegations that date back years and involve victims who were minors at the time.
Witnesses testified that Omotoso would pray for forgiveness after each encounter.
His recent acquittal ignited widespread anger. Dozens of women staged protests outside the Gqeberha tribunal as the verdict was announced.
The case has drawn national attention, with President Cyril Ramaphosa previously referring to the broader issue as a “pandemic of gender-based violence.”
Adding to the controversy, Omotoso was re-arrested on Saturday over an unrelated immigration offence, underscoring the continued legal scrutiny surrounding him.
According to official statistics, over 42,000 rapes were reported to South African police in the 2023–24 financial year, making it one of the most pressing social issues in the country.
Crime
Court Pushes Malami, Son’s Terrorism Financing Trial to April 15
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, until April 15 and 16.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the adjournment on Tuesday after the prosecution requested more time to prepare for the trial.
During the court session, lead prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that he had only recently been assigned to handle the case and needed additional time to consult with witnesses.
SEE ALSO: Malami Speaks Out On Court Ruling, Urges Nigerians To Stay Calm
“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses,” Kehinde told the court while asking for a new hearing date.
Counsel for the defendants, Shuaibu Arua (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Following the application, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and fixed April 15 and 16 for the continuation of the trial.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier arraigned the former justice minister and his son on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of allegedly aiding terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to him while he served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The defendants were also accused of illegally storing firearms and ammunition at their residence located in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State without lawful authority.
Items allegedly recovered include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.
The alleged offences are said to violate provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, 2004.
The trial is expected to continue in April when the court begins full hearing of the case.
Crime
How Routine FRSC Patrol Exposed Wanted Driver, Recovered Stolen Sienna
A routine patrol by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle in Lagos and the exposure of a wanted driver, highlighting the importance of proper vehicle documentation and cooperation with authorities.
The incident occurred at the RS2.1114 Isolo Unit Command, where officers stopped an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna bearing registration number LSD438GK for a Vehicle Licence Violation (VLV) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at about 5:11 p.m.
While the driver initially failed to present valid documents, further checks revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen and the driver was already declared wanted.
SEE ALSO: Fatigue, Over Speeding Led To Road Accident Which Claimed 21 Kano Athletes – FRSC
The suspect was subsequently handed over in handcuffs to the Nigeria Police Force, Ajao Division, for further action.
The FRSC credited the recovery to the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS), a digital framework that strengthens vehicle verification and tracking.
The scheme has reportedly helped identify, trace, and recover numerous stolen vehicles nationwide, while curbing criminal syndicates involved in vehicle theft and identity manipulation.
In a statement, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide stressed that enforcement is not only about traffic compliance but also crime prevention and public safety, urging motorists to always carry valid documentation and cooperate with patrol officers.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed commended the Isolo team for their vigilance, affirming the FRSC’s commitment to leveraging technology, intelligence, and strategic partnerships to protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.
Crime
Election Scandal in Abuja: Woman Busted With 20 Voter Cards in Kabusa
A major election scandal unfolded on Saturday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as security agents apprehended a young woman in the Kabusa area for allegedly possessing 20 voter cards during the ongoing area council elections.
The woman, dressed in a black shirt and red trousers with a white scarf, was intercepted at Polling Unit 001 in Kabusa Primary School.
She was immediately escorted into a police van by security personnel, raising concerns about the integrity of the election process.
SEE ALSO: Chaos At Nyanya Polling Unit As PDP, ADC Accuse APC of ₦1,000 Vote Buying
Meanwhile, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, was on the ground monitoring the elections.
He visited several polling units, including the Karu Chief’s Palace, to interact with adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and assess voter turnout.
Wike reportedly inquired about the progress of the voting and the challenges faced by election officials.
This incident comes amid reports of low voter turnout and other electoral irregularities in parts of Abuja, underscoring ongoing concerns about electoral security and transparency in the FCT area council elections.
Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspect may face legal action pending further verification of her actions.






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