The late Nigerian preacher TB Joshua, who died in June 2021, was revered by millions of followers across Africa and beyond as a miracle worker and a prophet of God. But a BBC investigation has revealed shocking allegations of rape, torture, and abuse by the charismatic pastor and his associates over a period of almost 20 years.
The BBC spoke to more than 20 former members and workers of Joshua’s Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN), who accused him of sexual assault, physical violence, and manipulation. Some of the victims were as young as 14 when they were allegedly abused by Joshua in a secluded compound in Lagos, Nigeria.
One of the accusers, Kemi, said she was raped by Joshua when she was 15. She said he told her that it was a “divine instruction” and that she would be “cursed” if she told anyone. “He raped me there on the floor, and he left me there,” she said. “I was bleeding. I was in pain.”
Another accuser, Bisola, said she was raped by Joshua multiple times over a period of 14 years. She said he controlled every aspect of her life and isolated her from her family and friends. “He would take me to the mountain, to the prayer room, to his bedroom, to his bathroom, anywhere he wanted,” she said. “He would say, ‘You are my wife. You are my property. You belong to me.’”
The BBC also uncovered evidence of physical abuse and torture at SCOAN. Former workers said they witnessed Joshua and his inner circle beating and whipping people who disobeyed his orders or failed to perform miracles. They said some of the victims were left with serious injuries and scars.
One of the former workers, Mary, said she was tortured by Joshua’s security team for trying to escape the compound. She said they tied her to a chair, poured water on her, and electrocuted her with wires. “They said they were going to kill me,” she said. “They said I was a witch, that I was sent to destroy the man of God.”
The BBC also found evidence of fraud and deception at SCOAN. Former members said Joshua and his team staged fake miracles and healings to attract more followers and donations. They said they saw people pretending to be sick, blind, or lame, and then being “healed” by Joshua in front of the cameras.
One of the former members, Emmanuel, said he was part of the deception. He said he acted as a “healer” and used tricks to make people believe he had supernatural powers. “We would put some substance on our hands, and when we touch somebody, it would look like blood or pus,” he said. “We would also use magnets to pull metal objects from people’s bodies.”
The BBC contacted SCOAN for a response to the allegations, but did not receive a reply. The church has previously denied any wrongdoing by Joshua or his associates, and has described the accusers as “disgruntled” and “liars”.
Joshua’s death at the age of 57 sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from his followers, who regarded him as a spiritual leader and a philanthropist. But the BBC’s investigation has exposed a darker side of his ministry, and raised questions about his legacy and accountability.