BBC exposes how TB Joshua hid dead bodies after church collapse

In a shocking revelation, a recent investigation conducted by the BBC has exposed new evidence suggesting that the late Nigerian megachurch leader, TB Joshua, hid dead bodies and intimidated families to cover up his involvement in the 2014 building collapse at his church in Lagos. This incident resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 116 people and stands as one of the deadliest disasters ever to occur in an African place of worship.

The BBC’s investigation marks the first time that insiders from TB Joshua’s Synagogue Church of All Nations (Scoan) have come forward with evidence shedding light on the causes of the incident and the alleged cover-up orchestrated by the pastor. This revelation follows previous evidence of widespread abuse and torture by the founder of one of the world’s largest Christian evangelical churches.

Also Read: Walter Magaya raises four questions regarding TB Joshua BBC documentary

Shortly after the collapse on September 12, 2014, TB Joshua publicly attributed the incident to an aircraft that had flown over the building housing visiting pilgrims. However, an inquiry by a Lagos coroner, in agreement with emergency workers, concluded that structural failure caused the guest house to collapse. It was also revealed that the building had been constructed without proper planning permission.

Insiders from the church further revealed that TB Joshua had pushed for additional storeys to be constructed despite the building’s unstable foundation. Rae, a former disciple from the UK, stated that the foundations were not designed to support a building of such height. She recalled TB Joshua repeatedly insisting on making it higher, disregarding safety concerns.

Eyewitnesses who spoke with the BBC stated that TB Joshua had been alerted to serious structural issues before the disaster, rendering the aircraft explanation a fabrication. Emmanuel, who had spent over a decade as a disciple of TB Joshua, disclosed that the pastor had received a report hours before the collapse indicating that the building was unstable and exhibiting swaying and shaking.

Multiple witnesses confirmed that instead of warning the visitors, over 200 individuals were led into the ground-floor dining room of the building to have their lunch. Tragically, all six storeys of concrete collapsed onto them. Many victims were killed instantly, while over 100 others were trapped inside, desperately calling for help.

Covering Up the Tragedy: TB Joshua’s Alleged Actions to Conceal Dead Bodies and Silence Witnesses

Eyewitnesses described the harrowing scene, with voices fading as people succumbed to their injuries. Survivors recounted the horrific injuries sustained by those trapped, including missing eyes and limbs caused by the falling beams.

The church insiders also accused TB Joshua of blocking emergency services from accessing the collapse site for 24 hours, while some church workers reportedly attempted rescue efforts without the necessary equipment or medical training. Witnesses claimed that during this critical period, church workers resorted to using tools from the maintenance department in reckless and amateurish attempts to save lives.

Furthermore, the BBC’s eyewitnesses alleged that TB Joshua ordered the removal of dead bodies from the collapse site during the night to conceal them from the media and authorities. Church workers were reportedly instructed to film the process and hand over the tapes to TB Joshua.

Influencing the Proceedings: Cash Handouts and Silencing Attempts

The investigation also revealed that TB Joshua distributed large sums of cash in various currencies to individuals with influence over the legal proceedings. Former disciples disclosed that they were tasked with delivering money to the families of the building collapse victims, along with instructions to remain silent and avoid speaking to the media.

While the Nigerian authorities initially took a strong stance on the disaster, recommending criminal negligence charges against TB Joshua, the pastor never attended court despite multiple summons. Former disciples claimed that he used significant amounts of cash to influence the proceedings, including providing funds to the families of the victims.

The BBC’s investigation has shed new light on the tragic events surrounding the 2014 building collapse at TB Joshua’s church, exposing allegations of a cover-up and attempts to silence witnesses. As the revelations come to light, it remains to be seen how this will impact the legacy of the late megachurch leader and the ongoing investigation into the incident.