Exposé uncovers alleged years of abuse and atrocities by late TB Joshua at Synagogue Church
The BBC’s extensive investigation has unveiled disturbing evidence of widespread abuse and torture linked to the founder of one of the world’s largest Christian evangelical churches, the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN).
The late TB Joshua, a prominent Nigerian preacher and televangelist, faces allegations of grave crimes, including rape, forced abortions, physical violence, and exploitation within his secretive compound in Lagos. These revelations span nearly two decades.
Numerous former members, including five British citizens, have come forward with harrowing accounts of atrocities they allegedly experienced at the hands of TB Joshua.
They recount instances of sexual assault, repeated rapes lasting years, forced abortions, and severe physical abuse, including solitary confinement.
The victims describe an environment akin to a cult, detailing a range of traumatic experiences, including being stripped, beaten with cables and whips, and deprived of sleep.
The SCOAN, boasting a global following and a Christian TV channel named Emmanuel TV, had attracted tens of thousands of visitors, including prominent figures and pilgrims seeking Joshua’s “healing miracles.”
Over 25 former disciples, from various countries including the UK, Nigeria, US, South Africa, Ghana, Namibia, and Germany, provided corroborating testimony, with some reporting incidents as recent as 2019.
Many victims were teenagers when they first joined, and in some British cases, their travel to Lagos was facilitated by Joshua and UK churches.
Despite TB Joshua’s stature as a revered pastor and the founder of a vast evangelical empire, controversies had surfaced during his lifetime, notably the collapse of a church guesthouse in 2014, killing at least 116 people.
The recent revelations brought forward by former church insiders, collaborating with the BBC’s investigation and openDemocracy, mark the first time multiple individuals have spoken publicly about their ordeals.
Efforts to speak out about the abuse were reportedly met with intimidation and attacks. Witnesses in Nigeria claim physical assaults, and a BBC crew was fired upon and detained when attempting to film the church’s compound.
When confronted with these allegations, SCOAN denied the claims but acknowledged previous unsubstantiated accusations against TB Joshua.
Despite some victims reporting their experiences to UK authorities, alleging sexual assault and violence, no substantial action was taken.
Similarly, a British couple’s detailed account and video evidence sent to the British High Commission in Nigeria in 2010 reportedly resulted in no action being pursued.
Currently led by TB Joshua’s widow, Evelyn, SCOAN remains active. Former members, like Anneka from Derby, UK, emphasize the necessity of a thorough investigation into Joshua’s conduct and urge more actions to uncover the truth.
She advocates for accountability within the Synagogue Church of All Nations, believing there might be numerous yet-undisclosed victims.
Source-BBC
