PODCAST:The Global Story
TITLE:Inside the church of horrors - a two year BBC investigation
DATE:2024-01-08 00:00:00
URL:
MODEL:gpt-4-gizmo
In this episode of "The Global Story" from the BBC World Service, James Reynolds presents an in-depth examination of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) in Lagos, Nigeria, and its controversial leader, T.B. Joshua. The podcast delves into a two-year investigation conducted by the BBC's Africa Eye team, led by Charlie Northcott and Peter Morimi.
T.B. Joshua was a charismatic evangelical pastor who garnered international attention and amassed a global following. His church, at its peak, attracted thousands of visitors weekly and became a significant religious tourism site in West Africa. However, behind the scenes, horrific allegations of systematic abuse emerged.
The investigation uncovers allegations of rape, torture, forced abortions, and other atrocities committed by Joshua and others within the church. Victims, including Anika from the UK and Jessica from Namibia, were lured to the church as teenagers, seeking spiritual guidance and healing. Once inside, they faced a controlling and cult-like environment where they were subjected to sexual abuse, physical violence, and psychological manipulation. They were isolated from the outside world, deprived of sleep, and indoctrinated to view T.B. Joshua as a divine figure.
Anika and Jessica's stories reveal the harrowing experiences of many who joined the church. The investigation found that the church's compound operated like a cult, with members enduring severe abuse for years. Despite attempts by victims to seek help and justice, their pleas were largely ignored, and Joshua evaded accountability during his lifetime.
The church's leadership, now under the control of T.B. Joshua's wife following his death in June 2021, has dismissed the allegations as unfounded. However, the depth and consistency of the testimonies collected by the BBC suggest a pattern of widespread abuse within the church.
The podcast raises broader questions about the lack of oversight and regulation of religious organizations, particularly those operating in Africa. The episode concludes with the BBC team expressing hope that their investigation will encourage others to come forward and hold abusive leaders accountable.
Listeners can access the full series of "Disciples: The Cult of T.B. Joshua" on the BBC Africa YouTube channel and learn more about the investigation in the new season of the BBC podcast "World of Secrets."
