The Association of the Yoruba in Diaspora South Africa has called on the Federal Government to intervene in a case of a Nigerian pastor who was allegedly arrested without a warrant of arrest by the South African police for alleged rape, human trafficking, and racketeering.

Rev Timothy Omotoso, who is the founder of Jesus Dominion International based in Durban and other cities across South Africa, was reportedly arrested on April 20, 2017.

AYIDSA said Omotoso had been arraigned in court but denied bail, and had now spent about 1,230 days in detention.

AYIDSA President, Dr Olusola Agbeniyi, in a statement, said it was time for the Nigerian government to demand accountability from the South African government.

Agbeniyi noted that in May 2017, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, facilitated a meeting comprising the then acting high commissioner, AYIDSA leadership, and Omotoso’s legal team and family.

Despite all the efforts, AYIDSA said it was saddened that Omotoso had not been considered for or granted bail.