Preacher probe after disaster

A Nigerian televangelist whose exuberant followers across Africa and beyond believe he has powers of healing and prophesy is now under scrutiny after one of his buildings collapsed, killing at least 70 people.

Following the disaster, officials charged that church workers obstructed rescue efforts.

The exact circumstances of the collapse as well as the death toll remained unclear five days after the disaster at a multi-storey guesthouse and shopping area for TB Joshua’s Synagogue, Church of All Nations, on the outskirts of Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital.

South Africa, which said 67 of its nationals died, was struggling to glean information from the scene. Many had flown to the West African nation to experience the evangelical Mr Joshua’s preaching and faith healing.