Crime
TB Joshua, BBC Documentary, and Gullible Nigerians
By Milcah Tanimu
Karl Marx once said, “religion is the opium of the people,” and in Nigeria, it has often been wielded as a tool to oppress the poor. Temitope Joshua, better known as TB Joshua, was a controversial religious figure who recently became the subject of a three-part documentary by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The documentary shed light on Joshua’s alleged misdeeds, portraying him as a fake man of God who exploited and abused his followers.
This exposé, however, is not a revelation to many Nigerian journalists who had previously investigated and exposed Joshua’s activities. The documentary reiterates findings from past investigative reports that highlighted Joshua’s manipulation of staged miracles, exploitation of disciples, and allegations of sexual abuse.
As the BBC documentary brings these issues to the forefront once again, it prompts reflection on the role of religion in Nigeria. The misuse of religion by certain leaders to exploit and manipulate the vulnerable is not a new phenomenon. Joshua’s case is just one example of a pervasive issue where religious figures wield significant influence and power.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, various Nigerian media outlets, including TheNews Magazine, Tell Magazine, and others, had conducted similar exposés on TB Joshua. Journalists who delved into his activities faced challenges, including threats, bribes, and, in some cases, job losses. The documentary reveals that Joshua used similar tactics to influence and control media narratives about him.
Despite the documented evidence and testimonies presented in the BBC documentary, there are still Nigerians who doubt the motives behind the exposé, especially considering Joshua’s death. Some invoke biblical phrases like “Touch not my anointed, and do my prophet no harm” (Psalm 105 v 15) to defend him. However, the documentary serves as a reminder that accountability is essential, even posthumously, to prevent such exploitation from being glorified.
It is crucial to question the circumstances surrounding Joshua’s death and the lack of a transparent investigation into the cause of his demise. As a prominent figure, his sudden death should have been thoroughly examined, and an autopsy could have provided clarity. The rush to bury him without a comprehensive inquiry raises suspicions.
TB Joshua’s life trajectory, from a poorly educated individual to a wealthy and influential religious leader, underscores the need for a critical examination of the religious landscape in Nigeria. The documentary also highlights the broader issue of gullibility and the search for intermediaries between individuals and God, contributing to the victimization of the poor and desperate by manipulative religious figures.
Addressing poverty and improving living standards can be a significant step in reducing the vulnerability of individuals to exploitation by so-called men of God. While religion plays a significant role in the lives of many Nigerians, it is essential to foster a direct relationship with God and promote critical thinking to prevent further abuses in the name of faith.
The Cross River Police Command has arrested three Egyptian nationals for allegedly assaulting a female security officer at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).
The suspects Mohammed Ayan, 24; Mohammed Mohammed, 40; and Ahmed Mohammed, 20 were said to have entered the hospital premises around 12 noon on Monday to hawk household items, an act prohibited within the facility.
Zagazola confirmed from sources that a security officer, Christiana Ada Ewa, 34, attached to the hospital’s surveillance unit, attempted to stop the men from hawking when one of them, Ayan, allegedly assaulted her.
Her colleague, Ethan Ita Ansa, 24, intervened, resulting in a physical altercation between the parties. During the scuffle, Ansa’s uniform was torn and he sustained a finger injury, while Ayan also suffered bruises on his right eyebrow and knees.
Police detectives promptly visited the scene and arrested the suspects. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation.
A Nigerian Army officer, Lt. Samson Haruna, has died after sustaining severe burns when his wife allegedly set him ablaze during a domestic dispute at Wellington Bassey Barracks, Ibagwa, Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the tragic incident occurred on Sept. 22, 2025.
The source said the officer, who was also a medical doctor attached to the 6 Battalion Regimental Medical Officer (RMO), had a heated argument with his wife, Mrs. Samson Haruna, which resulted in her dousing him with petrol (PMS) and setting him on fire.
“The officer sustained severe burns and was immediately stabilised at the Military Reference Section (MRS) in the barracks before being evacuated to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital for further management,” the source said.
The officer, however, succumbed to his injuries despite efforts by medical personnel to save his life.
It was further gathered that the suspect has been arrested and is currently in custody while an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered a locally-made pistol and several stolen items in Gwagwalada Area Council.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the arrest followed a complaint lodged by one Kabiru Ahmed of Kasuwan Dare, Gwagwalada, who reported that two men swapped his Moniepoint POS machine on Oct. 1, 2025, at about 2:55 p.m.
Detectives from the Gwagwalada Division swiftly acted on the report and apprehended one Abdul Abdullahi of Kano State, who confessed to being part of a syndicate notorious for POS swapping and robbery within the area.
The suspect named his accomplices as Yusuf Abdul, Mustapha Abba, Faruk, and Abu Chibola, and later led police operatives to their hideout in Angwan Dodo, Gwagwalada.
However, the other suspects escaped through the ceiling and roof of the building towards a nearby river upon sighting the operatives. One female suspect, Rahama Michael was arrested at the scene.
Items recovered include one fabricated locally-made pistol, six POS machines, seven ATM cards, 37 SIM cards, six wristwatches, and one axe.
The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has commenced a full investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the syndicate.
Again 30 villagers abducted in Zamfara.
2 bandits meet Waterloo in Zamfara ambush.
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