Nigeria is home to some of Africa’s most influential Christian leaders, many of whom command millions of followers both within and outside the country. While many pastors have maintained spotless reputations throughout their ministries, others have found themselves at the center of highly publicized controversies involving women.
It is important to distinguish allegations, confessions, investigations, and court outcomes. In several cases, the pastors denied wrongdoing, while in others, some individuals later withdrew or changed their claims. This article summarizes widely reported public controversies without presenting allegations as proven facts unless supported by admissions or legal findings.
1. Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo (COZA)
One of the most publicized controversies involving a Nigerian pastor centered on Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, founder of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA).
The first major controversy emerged in 2013, when former church member Ese Walter publicly alleged that she had an inappropriate relationship with the pastor. The allegations generated significant debate across Nigeria’s media landscape.
The issue resurfaced in 2019 when celebrity photographer Busola Dakolo accused Fatoyinbo of raping her years earlier when she was a teenager. The allegation sparked nationwide protests under the hashtag #ChurchToo and renewed conversations about accountability within religious institutions.
Pastor Fatoyinbo denied all allegations. In October 2019, a Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the criminal case brought against him, stating that the evidence before it was insufficient to proceed.
2. Apostle Johnson Suleman
In 2017, Apostle Johnson Suleman became the subject of widespread media attention after Canadian-based singer Stephanie Otobo alleged that they had been involved in a romantic relationship and that she became pregnant.
The allegations dominated headlines and social media for months.
Apostle Suleman denied the claims from the outset. Subsequently, Stephanie Otobo publicly retracted aspects of her allegations and stated that she had been influenced by political interests to make the accusations. The controversy nevertheless remained one of the most discussed religious scandals in Nigeria during that period.
3. Prophet T.B. Joshua
Years after the death of Prophet T.B. Joshua in 2021, a 2024 investigative documentary by the BBC featured multiple women alleging sexual abuse, rape, physical abuse, forced abortions, and coercive control during their time at his ministry.
The documentary generated international reactions and renewed scrutiny of the late televangelist’s legacy.
Supporters of Joshua and representatives of his ministry disputed the allegations, while others called for further investigation. Because Joshua had already died before the documentary was released, the allegations were not tested in court against him.
4. Prophet Joshua Iginla
Unlike many public controversies involving allegations, Prophet Joshua Iginla openly admitted during a church service in 2019 that he had fathered a child outside his marriage.
He also disclosed that his wife had likewise been unfaithful, resulting in the birth of another child. The revelations shocked many church members because they came directly from the pastor himself.
Following the public confession, the couple divorced. Joshua Iginla later remarried.
5. Pastor Timi Adigun
Pastor Timi Adigun, widely known for mentoring teenagers and promoting sexual purity, became embroiled in controversy in 2022 after multiple women accused him of inappropriate conduct.
Following an independent review by former ministry leaders, Adigun released a public apology. He admitted to engaging in inappropriate behaviour with female church members but denied having sexual intercourse with them or involvement with minors.
The controversy led to significant criticism and the eventual closure of the MINE teenage ministry.
