The BBC has uncovered evidence of widespread abuse and torture allegedly perpetrated by the late TB Joshua, the founder of one of the world's largest Christian evangelical churches, the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN)1.
Dozens of former church members, including five from the UK, have come forward with allegations spanning almost 20 years, including rape, forced abortions, and physical violence.
TB Joshua, a charismatic televangelist who passed away in 2021, had a massive global following. The BBC's two-year investigation revealed eyewitness accounts of abuse, including child abuse, physical violence, and torture within a secretive Lagos compound. Multiple women claim they were sexually assaulted by Joshua, with some stating they were repeatedly raped for years.
The investigation also exposes allegations of forced abortions following rapes, as well as accounts of Joshua faking miracle healings broadcast to millions. The Synagogue Church of All Nations has not responded to the allegations but has previously stated that such claims are unfounded.
The BBC interviewed more than 25 former disciples, with experiences spanning from the late 1990s to 2019. The victims, including those from the UK, describe their experiences as akin to being in a cult. Several allege being stripped, beaten with electrical cables and horse whips and routinely denied sleep.
On his death, TB Joshua was celebrated as one of the most influential pastors in African history. However, the recent investigation sheds light on a darker side, with the BBC uncovering the first-hand accounts of former church insiders who say they've been trying to raise the alarm for years.
The Synagogue Church of All Nations, which operates globally through its Christian TV channel and social media networks, has been silent on the recent allegations. While the church continues under the leadership of Evelyn Joshua, TB Joshua's widow, former members are calling for a thorough investigation into the prolonged alleged misconduct of the late preacher.
The UK Foreign Office, when contacted about reports of British citizens reporting abuse to the authorities, stated that it takes all reports of crime, including sexual assault and violence against British nationals overseas, very seriously. The church, led by Evelyn Joshua, remains operational, and former members are urging further scrutiny into the actions of TB Joshua.
- The Synagogue Church of All Nations did not respond to the allegations during the BBC's investigation but denied previous claims against TB Joshua. ↩︎
