The prophet and the mysterious death of Charmain Speirs

The Prophet and the Mysterious Death of Charmain Speirs

At the age of 40, Charmain Speirs crossed paths with Eric Adusah, a man claiming prophetic status. For several years, she had been a part of a rapidly expanding Christian group, Pentecostalism, where she found a sense of belonging. Yet, despite this, a yearning for something more lingered. “She had grown weary of ordinary men,” her friend Anne-Marie recalls. “She sought a man of God, someone who could fulfill the promises she believed in.” The turning point came in spring 2014 when she met Adusah, the leader of the Global Light Revival Church, who was also a prominent figure on Christian television. His role as a prophet, said to receive divine messages directly from God, made him a compelling figure for Charmain.

Charmain’s early life unfolded in Arbroath, a small coastal town in Scotland, during the 1970s and 1980s. Her parents, Linda and Peter, worked in cleaning and plumbing, respectively. Colleagues and friends remember her as a vibrant socializer, often the center of attention. By 19, she relocated to Glasgow, where she held various roles in retail and hospitality. Her friend Linsey shares that Charmain experienced multiple relationships, some intense and short-lived, even briefly seeking shelter in a women’s refuge. Life took a turn when, around her early thirties, she moved to Swansea to pursue a new chapter and study photojournalism. In 2007, she gave birth to Isaac, her first child, and turned to faith to cope with postnatal challenges.

Adusah, based in London, preached as the head pastor of another Pentecostal congregation. The pair met via a Christian dating platform, and their bond quickly led to an engagement announcement. Charmain’s mother, Linda Speirs, was surprised when her daughter revealed her marriage plans without prior mention of a boyfriend. As the relationship deepened, Charmain’s social circle shifted. Friends noted that she transitioned from daily interactions to rare visits, her life seemingly transformed. She became known as the “first lady” of Adusah’s church, embracing her new role with enthusiasm. However, her friend Anne-Marie offered a contrasting view, recalling Charmain’s frustration: “He doesn’t show her any love. There’s no love, no passion,” she said.

Months after the wedding, Charmain returned to Arbroath to visit her mother. It was the first time Linda had seen her since the marriage, and Charmain confided in her about the strain in their union. She hinted at plans to move back home, but before that, she boarded a bus to London and later flew to Ghana. Police records confirm Adusah was the last person to see her alive. In statements provided to the BBC, he described a routine evening with Charmain—lunch, a pool visit, and a “nice time together.” He claimed to have left for Accra before midnight, citing a 6am meeting for his return flight to the UK. Charmain, he said, wanted to stay in Ghana longer.

A witness at the hotel where Charmain died, Edward (not his real name), pointed out a critical detail missing from Adusah’s account. He recalled that two tall men accompanied Adusah to room 112, where Charmain was staying, late at night. This incident, he said, suggested a different narrative to the events that followed. A BBC Disclosure investigation has since revealed discrepancies in Adusah’s story, with former partners of his warning about his potential to harm women. The documentary series *Charmain and the Prophet* explores these claims, shedding light on the enigma surrounding her untimely death.

The Enigma of Her Passing

Charmain’s body was discovered in a hotel bathtub in Ghana just six months after her marriage. Adusah was arrested but later released due to insufficient evidence, denying any involvement. More than a decade later, the BBC’s inquiry has uncovered omissions in his version of the night of her death. The documentary also highlights concerns from those who knew him, painting a picture of a man who may have been more than just a spiritual leader.

“She had gone from just being a normal person and suddenly she was this celebrity,” says bridesmaid Mehrunissa Thomas.

The events leading to her death remain shrouded in mystery, with questions about her relationship with Adusah and the role of others in the hotel room lingering. As the investigation continues, the story of Charmain Speirs serves as a reminder of the complexities and controversies within religious communities.