The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is set to unveil a three-part investigative documentary exposing alleged atrocities and sexual crimes linked to the late Pastor Temitope Balogun Joshua, commonly known as TB Joshua. Scheduled for release on January 8, the documentary is based on interviews with at least 30 former members and workers of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN).
The investigative report reveals the hidden aspects of TB Joshua’s life, detailing instances of abuse, harassment, rape, manipulation, and staged miracles. The BBC sources indicate that the church was aware of these allegations but never conducted internal investigations, and the reported sexual crimes spanned over two decades.
One segment of the documentary discloses how SCOAN concealed the truth about the collapse of a church guesthouse in 2014. The church, according to the BBC, falsely depicted an aircraft flying over the structure in a video shown to members on Emmanuel TV. Former workers, including Emmanuel and Rae, corroborate that the building had structural issues, and despite professional advice against it, TB Joshua insisted on its construction.
Following the collapse, the church allegedly compensated victims’ families with cash, perceived by some as “hush money.” Sources reveal that TB Joshua personally threatened families who refused the compensation, and the church discouraged them from speaking to the media.
Sexual exploitation is a significant focus of the documentary, with survivors sharing experiences of being manipulated and silenced by TB Joshua. Women who were part of TB Joshua’s discipleship disclosed incidents of molestation and rape, with the pastor justifying these actions as being for their salvation. The women were coerced into having abortions at a clinic within SCOAN when pregnancies resulted from the assaults.
The BBC investigation also sheds light on how the church orchestrated and exaggerated miracles showcased on television. Individuals were allegedly instructed to amplify their problems for healing, and the healing process was then exaggerated to appear divinely perfected.
A segment of the documentary delves into TB Joshua’s mistreatment and ostracism of his daughter born out of wedlock, Ajoke. She revealed confronting her father about sexual abuse allegations, leading to her expulsion from the church and subsequent isolation and indoctrination.
The documentary also touches on the case of aristocrat Constance Marten, who was reportedly ‘groomed’ by TB Joshua and spent time in a compound near Lagos, Nigeria. Former members describe instances of humiliation inflicted by TB Joshua on Marten and other white individuals at the compound.
YouTube suspended TB Joshua’s channel, Emmanuel TV, in April 2021 following controversial remarks about homosexuality. Marten’s ex-partner, Francis Agolo, noted a significant change in her demeanor after her time in Nigeria, describing her as caring and loving before but withdrawn and distressed afterward.
