TB Joshua exposed. The BBC has uncovered extensive evidence of abuse and torture carried out by the founder of a major Christian evangelical church. Numerous former members of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, including five from Britain, have come forward with allegations of atrocities, such as rape and coerced abortions, reportedly perpetrated by Nigeria’s late TB Joshua. An investigation spanning three continents by the BBC has uncovered shocking revelations about TB Joshua, a prominent Nigerian leader of a major evangelical church. Testimonies from numerous survivors indicate that Joshua committed widespread sexual crimes, abusing and raping young women from various parts of the world multiple times a week over nearly two decades.
The Harrowing Narration by Rae
One of these survivors is Rae, who disappeared during a bleak English winter in 2002. She had ventured to Nigeria with her friend Carla in search of a man known for miraculous healing—TB Joshua, a Christian pastor often referred to as “The Prophet.” Despite their initial plan to stay for a week, Rae never returned home; she had moved into Joshua’s compound.
Carla, haunted by guilt, recalls leaving Rae behind and struggling to explain the truth to their friends. Joshua’s church, the Synagogue Church of All Nations [SCOAN], loomed over Lagos, a towering presence in the city. The compound, a labyrinth designed by Joshua himself, housed him and his followers. Inside, many recount a nightmarish existence, a place where reality blurred and unspeakable horrors unfolded. Women reported being sexually assaulted and raped behind closed doors, while some were coerced into abortions after becoming pregnant.
Rae, now residing in an idyllic English countryside, carries visible scars from her time in Lagos. Despite her smile and laughter, a restlessness lingers within her. Her years within Joshua’s compound left an indelible mark, turning her life into what she describes as a true horror story—something akin to fiction, yet undeniably real.
The Two-Year Investigation by BBC that exposed TB Joshua
For two years, a team of over 15 BBC reporters worked with Open Democracy across three continents to investigate TB Joshua’s activities. They gathered videos, and documents, and talked to many people, including more than 25 witnesses and victims from different countries. These people shared what life was like inside Joshua’s compound, some as recent as 2019.
The church didn’t directly address the allegations but said past claims were untrue. Former followers who tried to speak up about abuse say they were silenced or discredited by the church. During a BBC filming outside the church, a guard fired shots when the crew wouldn’t give up their footage.
Joshua, seen as a powerful pastor, died unexpectedly in 2021. His funeral in Lagos drew huge crowds, showing his massive following. His church used to have around 50,000 attendees weekly and was popular among global viewers through TV and social media.
Even after Joshua’s death, the church continues, now led by his widow and a new team.
TB Joshua Relationships Across the Globe
In a 2013 interview with Nelson Mandela’s daughter, a portrait of Joshua was seen resting on the desk of the former South African president. Throughout his life, Joshua attracted numerous politicians and celebrities to his church, including sports stars like Didier Drogba from Chelsea FC and at least nine African presidents.
While some followers were drawn by his charitable work, most were captivated by his purported miracles. Joshua regularly recorded extraordinary “healings” during his time. People filmed testified to being cured of various conditions, from cancer and HIV/AIDS to chronic migraines and blindness, after receiving prayers from Joshua.
In depth Physical and Financial Atrocities Committed by TB Joshua
Solomon Ashoms, a journalist covering African religion, shared, “We’d never seen anything like that before. The mysteries and secrets he held were what drew people to follow him.”
In videos, Joshua appeared to heal severe conditions like infected genitals or instant childbirth. People involved would testify to being saved after each event. These tapes circulated among churches in Europe and Africa in the late 1990s and early 2000s, inspiring individuals like Rae and Anneka to visit Joshua’s church in Lagos after being moved by the videos.
The First-hand Truths that Exposed TB Joshua
Rae, raised with conservative Christian beliefs, hoped Joshua could change her sexual orientation. Anneka, too, felt drawn after witnessing miraculous videos in her church. Many young people, including Rae and Anneka, traveled to Lagos without paying for their tickets. Church groups in England raised funds, and Joshua’s church reportedly contributed money. Bisola, a former insider, mentioned how Joshua used Westerners to boost his image.
Joshua gained wealth from pilgrimages, video sales, and appearances, rising from poverty to become one of Africa’s richest pastors. According to Agomoh Paul, a former church member, much of what happened, including the “miracles,” was planned. Paul and others claimed the healings were often staged or exaggerated, sometimes involving drugging or misleading individuals to testify about their recovery.
Rae witnessed numerous apparent miracles upon arriving in Lagos, which moved her deeply. However, her experience took a dark turn when Joshua selected her to join an elite group called the “disciples.” Contrary to her expectations of learning and healing, Rae found herself in a situation she described as hellish, where terrible things happened despite their belief they were in heaven.
Summary
The Synagogue Church of All Nations chose not to address the allegations, asserting that prior claims were baseless.
TB Joshua, who passed away in 2021, was a charismatic and highly successful preacher and televangelist with a massive global following.
The BBC’s two-year investigation revealed:
- Numerous eyewitnesses reported incidents of physical violence or torture orchestrated by Joshua, including instances of child abuse, chaining, and whipping.
- Several women claimed they were sexually assaulted by Joshua, with some stating they endured years of repeated rape within the compound.
- Multiple accusations surfaced regarding forced abortions after alleged rapes by Joshua, with one woman recounting five terminations.
- Detailed firsthand accounts exposed how Joshua staged his “miracle healings,” which were broadcast to millions worldwide.