15 dead bodies recovered from TB Joshua's church

Over 15 bodies have been evacuated from the scene of the collapsed building in the premises of preacher TB Joshua's Synagogue Church of All Nations, Ikotun in Lagos.

Public relations officer of the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority, Adeboayo confirmed the recovery of the bodies, adding that rescue operations were on to evacuate injured persons.

The occupied six-storey building under construction in the Synagogue Church collapsed around 1pm on Friday.

Although the cause of the collapse could not be ascertained, a member of the church, who craved anonymity, said the structure was used as a guest house, where some foreigners and other well-to-do Nigerians, who come to the church for prayers and other spiritual matters usually lodge.

The ground floor, he said, served as a restaurant.

TB Joshua, is one of Nigeria's most famous preachers and televangelists with thousands of followers across the world, attracted by his purported healing powers and prophecies.

His church founded in 1987, accommodates over 15 000 worshippers during its Sundays service.

Forbes in 2011 reported that he was worth about $10-$15 million and also noted his philanthropic work, where more than $20 million has been given to charity.

The church currently has branches all over Africa, the United Kingdom, Asia and Greece