Bisina SomtoThe British Broadcasting Corporation(BBC) has released a two-year investigation into allegations of sexual assault, physical abuse, faked miracles, and trauma allegedly suffered by more than 25 individuals at the hands of the late Nigerian pastor, Temitope Joshua, mostly known as TB Joshua.
This influential religious leader, founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, was renowned for his miracles that claimed to cure a range of ailments. However, behind the façade of ‘divine healing’, a dark reality unfolded, as former followers shared sicken experiences that spanned nearly two decades.
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The Rise Of TB Joshua
Temitope Joshua, born in 1963, rose to prominence as one of Africa’s most influential religious leaders. His Synagogue Church of All Nations(SCOAN), a 12-storey building in Lagos State, became a global phenomenon with a large following. Joshua’s miracles, cured ailments from cancer to blindness, which gained attention and drew people from around the world.
Joshua’s sudden death on June 5, 2021, a week before his 58th birthday, left many unanswered questions. While the cause of his death remained undisclosed, the church claimed he spent his final moments in the service of God. However, an investigation by the BBC, in collaboration with Open Democracy, brought to light a dark side to Joshua’s legacy.
Allegations of Abuse and Exploitation
The two-year investigation, involving over 15 BBC journalists across three continents, cantered around allegations of sexual assault, physical abuse, solitary confinement, and fake miracles. Former members claimed that Joshua accumulated tens of millions of dollars through various streams, including pilgrimages, fundraising, video sales, and stadium appearances abroad.
Eyewitness accounts from more than 25 individuals, across countries such as the UK, Nigeria, Ghana, US, South Africa, and Germany, painted a grim picture of the life inside Joshua’s compound. The survivors, many of whom were part of an elite group called the ‘disciples,’ detailed instances of abuse, r@pe, and psychological trauma that went on for nearly two decades.
Rae’s Ordeal
A 21-year-old Briton named Rae, shared her heart-wrenching experience of joining Joshua’s compound in search of a cure for her sexual orientation. Rae, who identified as gay, hoped that Joshua’s miracles could “straighten her out.” However, what followed was a nightmare of psychological abuse, isolation, and attempted suicides over a two-year period.
Rae’s story revealed a pattern of manipulation and control, where disciples were forbidden from leaving the compound, and communication with the outside world was restricted. She described the compound as a place where they thought they were in heaven but were, in reality, experiencing hell.
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The investigation highlighted that many victims endured abuse multiple times a week, ranging from violent r@pes to psychological manipulation. The survivors believed they were the only ones facing such horrors and were discouraged from sharing their experiences with other disciples, as reporting on each other was encouraged.
Rae emphasized the difficulty of understanding the extent of psychological abuse that led to a loss of critical thinking. She stated, “I was basically in total isolation… I had a complete breakdown. I tried to commit suicide five times.”
The BBC reached out to SCOAN with the allegations, but the church did not respond, instead denying any prior claims against TB Joshua. The church’s statement dismisses the allegations as unfounded, asserting that none were ever substantiated. Former followers who attempted to speak out about abuse claim to have been silenced or discredited by SCOAN. The investigative team faced adversity during the filming process, with a security guard firing shots above their heads when they refused to surrender their material.
The Secrets Behind the Miracles
Insiders reveal that many of the ‘miracles’ were scripted and orchestrated by TB Joshua. Paul Agomoh, once considered Joshua’s number two in the church, discloses that the “cured” individuals often received payment or were coerced into exaggerating their symptoms before the healing. Some were allegedly drugged or given medicine to improve their conditions, only to later testify about their miraculous recovery.
According to Agomoh, Joshua sought not only to control the narrative of miracles but also to control the minds of his followers. The disciples, who worked tirelessly without pay, claimed to experience routine sleep deprivation and harsh conditions within the megachurch.
Survivors Speak Out
The documentary also features testimonies from various survivors, each detailing the lasting impact of their traumatic experiences within the SCOAN. Jessica Kaimu, a broadcast journalist from Namibia, recounts being r@ped by Joshua at the age of 17, enduring five years of abuse as a disciple. Another survivor, who chose to remain anonymous, shares the pain and scarring caused by the assault she experienced before the age of 15.
The investigation sheds light on the alleged existence of a group within the church informally known as the “fishing department.” This group, comprised of trusted disciples, was tasked with identifying and recruiting new victims for Joshua’s sick desires.
Despite the serious allegations against TB Joshua, the Synagogue Church of All Nations remains operational under the leadership of his widow, Evelyn Joshua. The investigation concludes by emphasizing the enduring impact of the trauma on survivors and expressing disappointment that TB Joshua did not face justice before his death.
IThe aftermath of the abuse inflicted by Joshua had profound and lasting effects on the victims. Rae, who spent 12 years inside Joshua’s compound, expressed her disappointment that Joshua escaped facing justice for the atrocities committed before his death.
Somto is an Entertainment Reporter with a passion for uncovering the latest stories in the world of entertainment. As a dedicated journalist, Somto delivers in-depth reporting, exclusive interviews, and breaking news coverage.
She covers a wide range of topics, from celebrity interviews to industry trends and film reviews.
As an Entertainment Reporter for Prime Business Africa, She continues to provide comprehensive and insightful coverage of the entertainment industry, offering readers an insider's perspective on the latest developments and trends. She is a trusted source for breaking news, exclusive interviews, and thought-provoking analyses.
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