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Mixed Reactions As BBC Releases Damning Reports on Late TB Joshua
Following a three-part expose on the alleged secret lives of the late televangelist, Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua (TB Joshua) by the British Broadcasting Corporation’s Africa Eye, mixed reactions have been noticed on the social media space.
The over-150-minute long video, divided into three episodes and published on YouTube, titled, “Disciples: The Cult of TB Joshua”, showed video testimonies of several witnesses levelling multiple damning allegations against the late prophet.
The testimonies, from former disciples and church workers, alleged that the prophet allegedly manipulated and physically abused them into staying with him for many years.
Most of them, mostly from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Namibia, and South Africa stated that they spent between 10 and 14 years in the Synagogue based off of that manipulation.
The investigation also delved into deeper details into the September 12, 2014 building collapse, where the Synagogue Church of All Nations’ guest house, owned by Joshua, collapsed, killing at least 116 persons who were mostly foreigners.
Reacting, several netizens expressed shock at the testimonies, calling for a deeper probe into the allegations.
A YouTube User, King James, noted, “This is a call for us to be more discerning as believers. There are wolves in sheep’s clothing.”
Another commenter on YouTube, The Mindrest, said, “May the souls of those who lost their lives in that building collapse rest in perfect peace. Amen.
“These disciples must be traumatised. My heart goes out to them. I’m so sorry you guys had to go through this. “
Another user, EmekaNwif, stated, “As a Nigerian, we are tired of fake preachers. They financially extort, are abusive, and corrupt, create discords and manipulate innocent people to their graces all for selfish purposes. Thank you, disciples (especially Sister Bisola) and Ajoke, other victims and BBC for the expose.”
On the other hand, a YouTube user, Cedric YALITA, said, “The more you prosecute us, the more we thrive. For our God is with us. None will be against us. Victory in Jesus’ Name.
“Romans 8:31: ‘What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?’ Isaiah 54:17: ‘No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me.’
“2 Corinthians 4:8-9: ‘We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.’”
Shelacy9wd, another YouTube user, wrote, “Question: If he was a ritualist as alleged are the evangelists under his wife including her as well ritualists? I’m
asking because the same miracles (prophecy excluded) are still happening even after his departure.
“The first video of the deliverance of a woman in black and him in the white suit; I watched it many times on Emmanuel TV and the woman was never
slapped. No physical contact at all. As for the alleged daughter, is there a DNA test? I am just trying to figure out things.”
Bernies5673, wrote, “Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:12”
Another user, Richiekitche, wrote, “Why didn’t you guys take him to court? Even the lady who said he threatened the family, if you focus on what you have lost, you will lose everything. He meant that you should pull yourself together because thinking won’t solve anything. Is that a threat?
“All of you who said you are there in all the events, are you the only disciples working with him? You were there with him when they were constructing the building. All I see is revenge by a family who lost their loved ones and some disciples who felt they had been used.”
Meanwhile, the BBC said it reached out to the present leadership of the church for a response, but was given a terse statement, “Making unfounded allegations against Prophet TB Joshua is not a new occurrence. None of the allegations was ever substantiated.”
However, the church did not respond to the specifics of the allegations contained in the documentary.
The Nigeria Police Force has suspended the nationwide enforcement of its tinted glass permit policy following an interim court order that restrained the move.
The Force announced on December 15, 2025, that it would begin enforcing the policy starting January 2, 2026, citing its responsibility to ensure public safety and internal security.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by Force Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin, the police revealed that they were served with an interim order on December 17, 2025.
The enforcement will remain suspended pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit or the vacation of the interim order.
“The Nigeria Police Force was served with an interim order of court in Suit No. HOR/FHR/M/31/2025, issued on 17th December 2025, restraining the Force from proceeding with the enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit or the vacation of the order,” the statement said.
The police also confirmed that they had entered an appearance in the case, raised preliminary objections, and formally requested the vacation of the interim order.
The case has been adjourned to January 20, 2026, for further hearing.
“In line with constitutional obligations and respect for judicial authority, the Nigeria Police Force has entered appearance in the matter, raised preliminary objections, and formally applied for the vacation of the interim order. The court has adjourned the case to 20th January 2026 for further proceedings,” the statement added.
The statement noted that the suspension of enforcement is being carried out in strict adherence to the ongoing court order.
“Accordingly, and strictly in compliance with the subsisting court order, the Nigeria Police Force has placed the enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy on hold nationwide, pending the decision of the court.”
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to upholding the rule of law while fulfilling its duty to protect lives and property.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, affirms that the Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in upholding the rule of law while discharging its primary mandate of protecting lives and property. The Force will continue to deploy lawful, intelligence-driven strategies to address security challenges and safeguard public safety across the country,” the statement added.
The Force also assured members of the public that it would communicate further developments and issue clear guidance as appropriate, following the court’s determination of the matter, in the overriding interest of public order and national security.
The Federal High Court In Abuja on Tuesday ordered the remand of the Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of their bail application.
The trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, also ordered the remand of his co-dedendants, his son, Abubakar Malami, and one of his wives Bashir Asabe.
Justice Nwite made the order after taking arguments from the defence team led by Joseph Daudu (SAN) and the prosecution counsel Ekele Iheneacho (SAN).
Malami and his co-defendants are facing a 16-count money laundering charge preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The EFCC alleges that the defendants conspired at various times to conceal, retain and disguise the proceeds of unlawful activities running into several billions of naira.
According to the charge, the alleged offences span several years and include the use of companies and bank accounts to launder funds, the retention of cash as collateral for loans, and the acquisition of high-value properties in Abuja, Kano and other locations.
The commission further alleges that some of the offences were committed while Malami was serving as Attorney-General of the Federation, in breach of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011, as amended, and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has sent a veiled message to Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, saying support for President Bola Tinubu alone will not guarantee any election ticket.
Wike made the statement on Sunday during a public outing in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.
His remarks were widely seen as directed at Governor Fubara, amid lingering political crisis in the State.
The former Governor of Rivers State said political loyalty must be tested during difficult times, not after power has been secured.
He mocked those he described as late supporters of President Tinubu, insisting that sudden alignment would not earn political rewards.
He said: “So the issue is not whether you are supporting Tinubu. That one, we have taken too long, long… Yes, oh. So Tinubu’s issue is not an issue again. Yes. Do you understand me? Yes. Tinubu’s issue is that nobody should be coming here to tell a day. We are for Tinubu; I am against you. Who is for Tinubu University? (laughs) That cannot give you any ticket oh! (laughs again) Direct, direct. It will not. Direction. Direction.”
Wike stressed that his political camp stood with Tinubu when the decision was unpopular. He said that support given under pressure carries more weight than alignment after victory.
He also recalled how the Rivers State House of Assembly openly backed Tinubu early, long before the election outcome was certain.
According to him, some of those now making public declarations were absent during the critical period.
“The same people now who came to declare, put them to God… But they should declare they are saying it for a candidate. Yes. Don’t you see characters? (laughs) So I send the sword far ahead of them.”
Wike further spoke on governance and continuity. He defended projects and agreements initiated during his tenure as governor. He said it is often difficult for successors to acknowledge past efforts, even though government is a continuous process.
His comments come weeks after Governor Fubara formally aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party of President Tinubu.
The move followed months of political crisis in Rivers State, which led to federal intervention and a declaration of emergency rule.
Political watchers believe Wike’s remarks constitute a direct response to Fubara’s recent positioning as a key Tinubu ally in Rivers politics. Critics argue that Fubara’s support surfaced only after the political storm had settled.
Wike, who remains a dominant force in Rivers State politics despite serving in Abuja, appears to have drawn a clear line ahead of the 2027 elections.
He suggested that political tickets would be decided by proven loyalty, not convenience.
Videos from the event in Rumuche, Emohua, spread rapidly on social media. Many users described the speech as a coded warning to the governor.
As of press time, neither the Rivers State Government nor Wike’s media team had issued an official clarification.
The comments, however, suggest that the political rift between both camps is still active, despite earlier peace moves brokered at the national level.
