In a shocking exposé, the BBC has uncovered evidence of widespread abuse and torture by the late founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (Scoan), TB Joshua. Dozens of former church members, including five British citizens, have come forward with allegations of heinous crimes, such as rape and forced abortions, spanning almost two decades. These revelations shed light on the dark side of one of the world’s biggest Christian evangelical churches and raise concerns about the accountability of religious institutions.
One victim, identified as Rae, shared her harrowing experience of being recruited into the church at the age of 21. She describes her 12-year ordeal as a “disciple” inside Joshua’s labyrinthine compound in Lagos. Rae alleges that she was sexually assaulted by Joshua and subjected to a form of solitary confinement for two years, which drove her to attempt suicide multiple times. Similar testimonies from over 25 former church members, spanning different countries, add weight to their claims.
The Scoan, with its global following and Christian TV channel called Emmanuel TV, attracted tens of thousands of pilgrims from around the world who sought healing miracles. However, behind the facade of faith and miracles, many vulnerable individuals, often teenagers, unknowingly faced manipulation and abuse. The experiences shared by victims resemble those of being trapped in a cult-like environment, where physical and psychological torment were inflicted on them.
Among the shocking accounts is that of Jessica Kaimu from Namibia, who was just 17 when she claims to have been raped by TB Joshua. She endured multiple instances of rape that eventually led to her undergoing five forced abortions performed under unsafe conditions. The victims’ stories reveal the extent of the trauma they endured and the urgent need for justice.
The investigation conducted by the BBC and Open Democracy marks a turning point, as numerous former church insiders have spoken out on record for the first time. Their attempts to raise concerns in the past were met with silence, intimidation, and even physical attacks. The church’s apparent lack of response to these allegations and its denial of previous claims against TB Joshua raise questions about its commitment to addressing the issue.
Furthermore, the failure of the UK authorities to take action, despite reports of abuse from British citizens, highlights the need for improved systems to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable. The ordeal faced by those who escaped the church reveals the deep-seated fear and trauma that continue to afflict them.
Since TB Joshua’s death in 2021, his widow, Evelyn, has assumed leadership of Scoan. The church remains in operation, raising concerns about the protection of current members and the need for a thorough investigation into TB Joshua’s actions. Anneka, a former church member, emphasizes the importance of uncovering the truth and ensuring that justice is served.
This exposé serves as a wake-up call for society to critically examine the operations of religious institutions and their leaders. It highlights the vulnerability of individuals seeking spiritual guidance and the urgent need for comprehensive safeguards to prevent abuses of power. It also underscores the imperative for governments and authorities to take reports of abuse seriously and to act promptly to protect victims.
The courage shown by survivors in sharing their stories should not be in vain. Their experiences should prompt society to reflect on the mechanisms that enable such abuse to persist and to work towards creating a safer environment for all individuals, regardless of their religious affiliation.
For those affected by sexual abuse, support and information can be accessed through the BBC Actionline within the UK. Additionally, resources such as The Family Survival Trust offer valuable insights into cults and their impact on individuals.
