In a shocking revelation, the BBC has uncovered evidence of widespread abuse and torture allegedly committed by the late TB Joshua, founder of one of the world’s largest Christian evangelical churches, the Synagogue Church of All Nations.
Dozens of former members, including five British citizens, have come forward with allegations spanning almost two decades, involving atrocities such as rape, forced abortions, physical violence, and fake “miracle healings.”
TB Joshua, a charismatic televangelist who passed away in 2021, had a massive global following. The Synagogue Church of All Nations, based in a secretive Lagos compound, operates a Christian TV channel and social media networks with millions of viewers.
The BBC’s investigation, conducted with international media platform Open Democracy, includes accounts from more than 25 former disciples from various countries, detailing instances of abuse and torture within the church.
The victims, some of whom were in their teens when they joined, likened their experiences to being in a cult.
One British woman, identified as Rae, spent 12 years as a disciple in Joshua’s compound, where she alleges sexual assault, solitary confinement, and attempted suicide due to the severity of the abuse.
Multiple victims, including Jessica Kaimu from Namibia, reported instances of rape by TB Joshua leading to forced abortions.
The Synagogue Church of All Nations did not respond to the specific allegations but denied previous claims against TB Joshua, stating, “Making unfounded allegations against Prophet TB Joshua is not a new occurrence… None of the allegations was ever substantiated.”
Despite several attempts by former church insiders to raise the alarm, they claim to have been effectively silenced, with some facing physical attacks and threats.
Four British citizens who reported abuse to UK authorities after leaving the church allege no further action was taken. The BBC also revealed that a British couple sent eyewitness accounts and video evidence to the British High Commission in Nigeria in 2010, describing sexual assault and rape, but claim no action was taken.
TB Joshua’s widow, Evelyn, currently leads the Synagogue Church of All Nations. The BBC’s investigation calls for a thorough inquiry into the church’s operations during TB Joshua’s tenure, urging accountability for the alleged abuses.
As the shocking revelations unfold, the BBC’s report sheds light on the dark side of a once highly influential figure in African evangelical history and the urgent need for scrutiny within religious institutions.
