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S/African Court Acquits Nigerian Pastor Of Rape, 31 Other Charges
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A South African court found a Nigerian televangelist not guilty on 32 charges Wednesday, eight years after he was jailed on accusations of raping and sexually assaulting several young women from his church.
Eastern Cape High Court judge Irma Schoeman said the prosecution had mishandled its case against Tim Omotoso, 66, senior pastor at the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church based in South Africa.
Omotoso, arrested in 2017, fell to his knees and appeared to pray after the judge found him not guilty of all charges, which included sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
Schoeman said that while the pastor’s explanations appeared improbable, state prosecutors had not proved beyond reasonable doubt their case against him and two assistants who also faced charges.
“The accused are found not guilty and are discharged on all the charges,” she ruled.
The women who testified against Omotoso said they were handpicked by the pastor, who would pray for forgiveness after each encounter with them.
Some had been part of a gospel girl band called Grace Galaxy set up by the pastor and others were still at school, the judge said.
With South Africa battling high rates of rape and abuse of women and children, dozens of women picketed outside the court in the eastern coastal city of Gqeberha as the verdict was being read out.
Thousands of people rallied in several cities on Tuesday to demand that authorities take action after a seven-year-old girl was allegedly raped at her school last year. There have been no arrests.
According to police figures, 42,500 rapes were reported in South Africa in the financial year 2023-24.
AFP
News
Former Cross River Governor Donald Duke Emerges PRP Presidential Candidate
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has affirmed former Cross River State governor, Donald Duke, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Muhammed Ishaq, said the decision was reached by the National Working Committee after reviewing the report of the primaries appeal committee.
According to the committee’s findings, Duke was validly elected as the party’s presidential flagbearer, while the outcomes of four other primary elections were also upheld.
Ishaq added that the PRP had cleared 420 candidates to contest various positions in the 2027 elections, with the exception of the Tarauni Federal Constituency primary, which was nullified.
He said the party remained committed to internal democracy and providing credible leadership for Nigeria.
News
Nigeria, EU set to convene 10th Business Forum in Lagos
The European Union and the Federal Government of Nigeria have announced plans to convene the 10th Nigeria–EU Business Forum in Lagos on 25 June 2026, bringing together senior policymakers, investors, and business leaders to deepen trade and investment ties.
Now in its tenth edition, the Forum has evolved into a key platform for advancing economic cooperation between Nigeria and Europe, with a focus on translating dialogue into concrete partnerships and investment outcomes.
The 2026 edition is expected to centre on mobilising private capital, strengthening value chains, and expanding opportunities for businesses operating across both markets. It will feature high-level discussions, targeted business-to-business engagements, and a curated exhibition showcasing investment-ready solutions.
Speaking ahead of the Forum, Gautier Mignot, Ambassador of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said the milestone edition reflects the growing depth of the partnership.
“The Nigeria–EU Business Forum has become a platform where ambition meets execution. This tenth edition underscores our shared commitment to mobilising investment at scale and delivering sustainable economic impact,” he said.
On his side, Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, described the Forum as a strategic opportunity to attract investment aligned with Nigeria’s development priorities.
“Nigeria remains committed to creating the conditions for sustainable economic growth and investment. The Forum provides an important platform for engaging with investors and partners, strengthening economic cooperation, and advancing initiatives that support enterprise, competitiveness, and long-term prosperity,” he said
Organisers say the Forum will build on the outcomes of previous editions, with a strong emphasis on facilitating partnerships and strengthening investment pipelines. It is also expected to provide a space for dialogue on policy, financing, and innovation, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a leading investment destination in Africa.
News
Police confirms safe rescue of ex-minister of power’s sister, twin children
The Nigeria Police Force on Saturday night confirmed the successful rescue of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the sister of the immediate past minister of power, Adebayo Adelabu and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were abducted on June 3, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to a statement by FORCE PPRO, Anthony Okon Placid, the hostages were rescued during a coordinated operation by the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) in Ibadan at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
Mrs. Adegoke and her children were abducted while she was driving them to school at about 7:30 a.m. on June 3, 2026.
The rescue, the statement stated, was achieved through sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance, and tactical operations which enabled investigators to track the kidnappers’ movements, resulting in a confrontation with FID-IRT operatives.
During the confrontation, two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded and two rifles were recovered. The victims were rescued unharmed and are now in safe custody, receiving medical care and support.
The Inspector-General of Police commends the courage, professionalism, and effectiveness of the FID-IRT operatives and all officers involved. Their resilience and commitment were instrumental in the safe rescue of the hostages.
Security operatives have intensified efforts in the area to apprehend fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate. Preliminary intelligence indicates that some suspects escaped with gunshot injuries. Operations are ongoing to track, arrest, and bring all involved to justice.
“The Nigeria Police Force appreciates the public’s support, cooperation, and patience during the operation. We remain committed to combating violent crime, protecting lives and property, and ensuring the safety of all citizens,” the statement concluded.
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