The prophet and the mysterious death of Charmain Speirs

The Prophet and the Mysterious Passing of Charmain Speirs

Over a decade after her death, a BBC Disclosure investigation has revealed gaps in Eric Adusah’s account of Charmain Speirs’ final hours. The documentary series *Charmain and the Prophet* explores the tragic story of a woman who found faith in Pentecostalism, only to be drawn into a relationship with a charismatic leader whose claims of divine insight would later cast doubt on her fate.

Charmain’s Life Before the Prophet

Charmain grew up in Arbroath, a coastal town in Scotland, during the 1970s and 1980s. Her parents, Linda and Peter, worked as a cleaner and a plumber, respectively. Friends described her as lively and sociable, often acting as a central figure in gatherings. At 19, she relocated to Glasgow, where she held various jobs in retail, hospitality, and service sectors. During this time, she experienced multiple relationships, some of which were intense and challenging, including a brief stay in a women’s shelter.

Religious Awakening and a New Path

By her early thirties, Charmain had moved to Swansea to pursue a fresh start and study photojournalism. A few years later, in 2007, she welcomed her son Isaac. Struggling with postpartum depression, she turned to religion, joining the Liberty Church—a newly formed Pentecostal group. It was here that she encountered Eric Adusah, a Ghanaian-born preacher who held a prominent role in the church’s hierarchy.

Love, Faith, and a Rapid Engagement

Adusah, who led the Global Light Revival Church in London, was a figure of influence within Pentecostal circles. Their connection began through a Christian dating platform, and within weeks, Charmain and Adusah announced their engagement. Her mother, Linda Speirs, was surprised by the news, as Charmain had not shared details about her romantic involvement. The couple’s relationship quickly evolved, with Charmain embracing her new identity as the “first lady” of Adusah’s congregation.

Tragic End and Diverging Accounts

Charmain and Adusah married in September 2014, shortly after meeting. Six months later, her body was discovered in a hotel bathtub in Ghana, leading to Adusah’s arrest for murder. However, he was later released due to insufficient evidence and denied any role in her death. A BBC investigation now challenges his version of events, uncovering inconsistencies in his statements. A hotel employee recalls that two tall men accompanied Adusah to room 112, where Charmain was staying, late at night.

Voices from the Past

Charmain’s close friend Anne-Marie shared a different perspective on their marriage. “She said, ‘He doesn’t show me any love. There’s no love, there’s no passion,’” Anne-Marie recalled. Meanwhile, her mother Linda had learned of her struggles when Charmain returned to Arbroath to visit. The woman confided that their union was failing and planned to move back home. Yet, before this could happen, she boarded a bus to London and flew to Ghana, never to return.

Legacy of a Disappearance

Adusah, who described his last interaction with Charmain as a casual lunch followed by a pool visit, claimed they spent the evening together before he left for Accra. However, his narrative omits critical details, as noted by a witness. The documentary highlights concerns from former partners of Adusah, who describe him as a figure capable of endangering women. Charmain’s story, now a decade old, remains a poignant reminder of the complexities of faith, love, and power.