The BBC investigation into many allegations against the founder of Synagogue Church of all Nations

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is gearing up to debut a three-part investigative documentary that delves into the alleged atrocities committed by the late Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua, best known as TB Joshua. The documentary, as unveiled by the BBC, aims to shed light on the clandestine lifestyle of the now deceased founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), exposing instances of abuse, harassment, rape, manipulation, and staged miracles.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the church was purportedly aware of these allegations, yet failed to conduct any investigations. The alleged sexual crimes are said to have spanned over a period of two decades. The BBC’s extensive investigation has unearthed evidence of widespread abuse and torture perpetrated by the founder of one of the world’s largest Christian evangelical churches.

Several former members of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, including five individuals from the United Kingdom, have come forward alleging heinous acts, including rape and forced abortions, at the hands of TB Joshua. These distressing accounts cover nearly 20 years of alleged abuse within the secretive Lagos compound. While the Synagogue Church of All Nations did not directly respond to these accusations, it stated that previous claims against the church were baseless.

The investigation conducted by the BBC over two years has encompassed numerous harrowing testimonies, including eyewitness accounts of physical violence, torture, and instances of child abuse allegedly carried out by TB Joshua. Additionally, multiple women have recounted instances of sexual assault and rape, some asserting that they were subjected to such horrors for prolonged periods within the compound. The report also includes accounts detailing how Joshua purportedly orchestrated fake “miracle healings” broadcasted to millions globally.

One victim, identified as Rae from the UK, shared her personal account of being recruited into the church at the age of 21 and spending more than a decade as one of Joshua’s followers, experiencing what she described as “hellish” conditions. She detailed enduring sexual assault and solitary confinement, which drove her to attempt suicide multiple times while at the compound.

The Synagogue Church of All Nations, renowned for its global following and Christian TV channel named Emmanuel TV, attracted tens of thousands of pilgrims from various parts of the world during the 1990s and early 2000s. More than 25 former disciples, including individuals from the UK, Nigeria, the US, South Africa, Ghana, Namibia, and Germany, provided compelling testimonies about their distressing experiences within the church, emphasizing similarities to a cult-like environment.

Despite rising from poverty to establish an evangelical empire and garnering widespread acclaim, TB Joshua faced controversy during his lifetime, notably when a guesthouse for church pilgrims collapsed in 2014, resulting in numerous fatalities. The BBC’s investigation marks the first instance of multiple former church insiders speaking out on the record, despite facing challenges and pushback, including physical attacks and detention.

The report also revealed that several individuals, including British nationals, reported the abuse to UK authorities after leaving the church, with little or no action taken. Notably, a British couple forwarded eyewitness accounts and video evidence depicting their traumatic experiences to the British High Commission in Nigeria, yet assert that no action was pursued.

Remarkably, SCOAN continues to operate under the leadership of TB Joshua’s widow, Evelyn. The investigation has prompted calls for further inquiry into the actions of TB Joshua, with the hope of unveiling the full extent of the alleged abuses that persisted at the Synagogue Church of All Nations.