The late Nigerian megachurch leader TB Joshua was a controversial figure who claimed to perform miracles and healings. He died in June 2021, leaving behind a global following of millions. However, a recent BBC documentary, titled “Disciples: The Cult of TB Joshua”, has exposed some shocking allegations of abuse, torture, rape, and cover-ups by the founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN).

Here are 10 things you need to know about the documentary and its revelations.

1. The documentary is based on testimonies from former disciples and church workers

The BBC’s Africa Eye team conducted a two-year investigation into the allegations against TB Joshua, interviewing more than 25 former disciples and church workers from different countries, including the UK, Nigeria, US, South Africa, Ghana, Namibia, and Germany. Some of them were in their teens when they joined the church and spent up to 14 years inside Joshua’s compound in Lagos, Nigeria. They shared their experiences of physical violence, sexual assault, forced abortions, and fake miracles.

2. TB Joshua allegedly raped and sexually abused numerous women

One of the most disturbing allegations in the documentary is that TB Joshua raped and sexually abused numerous women, some of whom were minors, inside his compound. One of the victims, a British woman named Rae, said she was sexually assaulted by Joshua when she was 21 years old and spent the next 12 years as one of his disciples. She said she was repeatedly raped by Joshua and forced to have five abortions. Another victim, a South African woman named Lindiwe, said she was raped by Joshua when she was 14 years old and became pregnant. She said Joshua arranged for her to have an abortion in a nearby clinic and threatened to kill her if she told anyone.

3. TB Joshua also allegedly tortured and whipped his disciples and church workers

The documentary also revealed that TB Joshua tortured and whipped his disciples and church workers, sometimes using chains and cables. He also subjected them to a form of solitary confinement, locking them up in dark rooms for days or weeks without food or water. One of the former disciples, a Nigerian man named Bisola, said he was whipped by Joshua for failing to follow his instructions. He said he still bears the scars on his back. Another former disciple, a Ghanaian man named Kofi, said he was chained and beaten by Joshua for trying to escape the compound.

4. TB Joshua faked his miracle healings and used them to attract followers and donations

TB Joshua was famous for his miracle healings, which he claimed to perform through the power of the Holy Spirit. He broadcasted his healing sessions on his TV channel, Emmanuel TV, and on social media, reaching millions of viewers around the world. However, the documentary exposed that many of his miracle healings were staged and scripted, using actors and props. Some of the former disciples and church workers said they were instructed by Joshua to pretend to be sick or disabled and then act as if they were healed by him. They also said that Joshua paid them for their performances and gave them fake medical reports.

5. TB Joshua sold anointing water and stickers as a source of healing and protection

Another way that TB Joshua exploited his followers was by selling anointing water and stickers, which he claimed had healing and protective powers. He marketed them as “for good health and breakthrough in all areas of your life and for the salvation of your soul”. He sold them by the gallon and charged exorbitant prices, ranging from $50 to $1,000. He also encouraged his followers to spray the water on themselves, their belongings, and their environments, and to stick the stickers on their cars, houses, and businesses. However, the documentary showed that the water and stickers had no supernatural effects and were just ordinary products.

6. TB Joshua hid dead bodies and intimidated families after the collapse of his guest house

One of the most tragic incidents in TB Joshua’s history was the collapse of his guest house in September 2014, which killed at least 116 people, most of whom were foreigners. The documentary revealed that TB Joshua hid dead bodies and intimidated families, to cover up his role in the collapse. He refused to cooperate with the authorities and the rescue workers, and prevented them from accessing the site. He also bribed some of the survivors and the relatives of the victims, and threatened others with violence or lawsuits, to prevent them from speaking out. He also blamed the collapse on a mysterious plane that he said flew over the building before it collapsed, suggesting a sabotage.

7. TB Joshua had political connections and influence in Nigeria and other African countries

TB Joshua was not only a religious leader, but also a political player. He had connections and influence in Nigeria and other African countries, where he supported and advised some of the presidents and politicians. He also donated money and humanitarian aid to various causes and communities, especially during crises and disasters. He used his political clout to evade accountability and to gain favor and protection from the authorities. He also used his media platforms to promote his political agenda and to endorse his allies.

8. TB Joshua faced criticism and opposition from other Christian leaders and groups

TB Joshua was not universally accepted or respected by other Christian leaders and groups. He faced criticism and opposition from some of them, who questioned his doctrines, practices, and authenticity. Some of them accused him of being a false prophet, a heretic, a cult leader, and a sorcerer. They also warned their followers to stay away from him and his church. Some of the critics included the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, and the late Nigerian evangelist Reinhard Bonnke.

9. TB Joshua had a humble and mysterious background and claimed to have a divine calling

TB Joshua had a humble and mysterious background, which he often used to portray himself as a humble and chosen servant of God. He was born in a small village in Nigeria, where he said his mother’s pregnancy lasted 15 months. He also said that a large boulder crashed through the roof of his home when he was a few days old, narrowly missing him. He said he received a divine calling and a covenant from God to start his ministry when he was 24 years old, after a heavenly vision. He also said he had prophetic gifts and could foresee future events.

10. TB Joshua died suddenly and mysteriously in June 2021

TB Joshua died suddenly and mysteriously on June 5, 2021, at the age of 57. He had just finished a church service and was on his way to the hospital, when he collapsed and died. The cause of his death was not officially announced, but some sources said he had suffered a stroke. His death shocked and saddened his followers and admirers, who mourned him as a great man of God. His funeral was held on July 9, 2021, at his church in Lagos, where he was buried in a marble mausoleum.

Frequently Asked Questions about TB Joshua and the BBC Documentary

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about TB Joshua and the BBC documentary, and their answers.

Who was TB Joshua? 

TB Joshua was a Nigerian megachurch leader, televangelist, and philanthropist, who founded the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) in 1987. He claimed to perform miracles and healings through the power of the Holy Spirit. He had a global following of millions, who watched his TV channel, Emmanuel TV, and his social media networks. He died on June 5, 2021, at the age of 57.

What is the BBC documentary about TB Joshua? 

The BBC documentary, titled “Disciples: The Cult of TB Joshua”, is a three-part exposé on the late TB Joshua, based on testimonies from former disciples and church workers, who allege that he abused, tortured, raped, and exploited them for years inside his compound in Lagos, Nigeria. The documentary also investigates the 2014 building collapse at his church, which killed at least 116 people, and the cover-up that followed. The documentary was produced by the BBC’s Africa Eye team, and was released on January 7, 2024, on BBC iPlayer and YouTube.

How can I watch the BBC documentary about TB Joshua? 

You can watch the BBC documentary about TB Joshua on BBC iPlayer (UK only) or on the BBC Africa YouTube channel (outside UK). Here are the links to the three episodes: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3.

How did TB Joshua’s church respond to the BBC documentary? 

TB Joshua’s church responded to the specific allegations in the documentary, saying that the documentary as unfounded and asserted that the individuals interviewed in the report were unknown to the SCOAN.