A forthcoming three-part documentary by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is set to unravel a series of disturbing allegations against the late Pastor Temitope Balogun Joshua, commonly known as TB Joshua, and his Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN).
Scheduled for release on January 8, the investigative documentary includes interviews with over 30 former SCOAN members and workers, revealing a dark narrative of abuse, harassment, sexual crimes, manipulation, and staged miracles.
The documentary sheds light on the covert lifestyle of TB Joshua, disclosing instances of sexual exploitation spanning over two decades.
Former disciples recount experiences of abuse, with some revealing they were molested, raped, and manipulated by the late pastor. The survivors, who joined SCOAN as teenagers, speak of enduring years of silence, coercion into having abortions at a squalid clinic within the church, and manipulation under the guise of salvation.
Among the shocking revelations is how SCOAN allegedly shielded its congregation from the truth about the collapse of one of its guesthouses in 2014. The church’s depiction of the incident as an aircraft-related event is exposed as false, with insiders claiming a structural defect in the building was concealed.
The documentary unveils a series of cover-ups, including the dismemberment of bodies under the rubble, transportation of deceased bodies in SCOAN ambulances to manipulate the disaster’s extent, and alleged threats against victims’ families to maintain silence.
The investigation extends to how TB Joshua mistreated his daughter born out of wedlock, Ajoke, and her subsequent expulsion from the church. Ajoke recounts her experience of isolation, indoctrination, and contemplating suicide after confronting her father about sexual abuse allegations.
The BBC documentary delves into the manipulation and exaggeration of miracles showcased on Emmanuel TV, SCOAN’s channel. Former members reveal how individuals were instructed to amplify their problems for healing, and their healing, in turn, was exaggerated to appear as if perfected by God.
TB Joshua’s alleged mistreatment of a woman named Constance Marten, who spent time in a compound near Lagos, Nigeria, is also explored. Former members describe instances of humiliation inflicted by the controversial pastor on Marten and other white people at the compound, where stringent controls were reportedly enforced.
These revelations come as a stark challenge to the legacy of TB Joshua and raise critical questions about the accountability of religious leaders.
The documentary is anticipated to prompt discussions on the responsibility of religious institutions and the need for safeguarding measures to protect vulnerable members from potential abuses.
The first part of the BBC documentary is set to be released on January 8, uncovering the untold stories behind the public image of TB Joshua and SCOAN.