BBC Exposé Alleges Rape and Fake Miracles by Late TB Joshua

An extensive two-year investigative report by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has accused the late founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Temitope Balogun, popularly known as TB Joshua, of heinous acts, including rape, torture, and the fabrication of miracle healings.

The report, which involves testimonies from five Britons spanning almost two decades, claims that TB Joshua raped and subjected worshippers to forced abortions within a secretive compound in Lagos. Additionally, the late televangelist is accused of orchestrating fraudulent “miracle healings” that were broadcast to millions worldwide.

One of the alleged victims, a British woman identified as Rae, revealed that she spent 12 years as one of Joshua‘s disciples, enduring sexual assault and solitary confinement. She described the compound as a place where “terrible things happen.“

TB Joshua, who founded SCOAN in the Ikotun area of Lagos State, passed away a week before his 58th birthday on June 5, 2021, after conducting a service.

The BBC’s detailed report, “Disciples: The Cult of TB Joshua,” has triggered mixed reactions on social media. The investigation features video testimonies from former disciples and church workers who allege manipulation and physical abuse during their years at SCOAN.

Commenters on YouTube expressed shock and sympathy for the alleged victims, calling for a thorough investigation into the claims. Some emphasized the need for discernment among believers, while others questioned the validity of the accusations and the absence of legal action against TB Joshua during his lifetime.

In response to the BBC report, the church’s current leadership issued a brief statement, dismissing the allegations as “unfounded” and asserting that none had ever been substantiated. However, the church did not address the specific details presented in the documentary.

As the revelations continue reverberating, many grapple with the complexity of the allegations against a figure who gained global prominence for his charismatic and controversial ministry. The expose has reignited discussions about accountability within religious organizations and the impact of charismatic leaders on their followers.