BBC Africa’s Eye has exposed the purported means through which the late Nigerian televangelist, TB Joshua, allegedly orchestrated miracles that captivated millions of followers.
In an investigation and a three-part documentary delving into the activities of the cleric and televangelist, the BBC conducted interviews with no fewer than 30 former members and employees of the Synagogue Church of All Nations.
The three-part documentary unveiled the covert lifestyle of SCOAN’s now-deceased founder, disclosing accounts of abuse, harassment, rape, manipulation, and staged miracles.
It details six ways through which TB Joshua allegedly deceived worshippers, noting that these discoveries came from those who worked with the late church leader.
Insiders informed the BBC that the church was aware of these allegations but never initiated an inquiry, alleging that the sexual misconduct extended over two decades.
Below are the six ways listed by the BBC Africa Eye in its report:
“1: The emergency department: An exclusive section of the church, named the “emergency department”, was responsible for making the so-called miracles look real.
“2: Drugs: Every foreign visitor who came to the church to be healed had to fill out a medical report, detailing their illness and the medication they were currently prescribed.
“3: Brainwashing: Ms Ford says when she was at Scoan she never had any doubts: “I honestly thought we were seeing miracles. I literally couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I saw someone walk out of a wheelchair.”
“4: Bribes: Some disciples allege they were charged with finding people who needed money to pretend to be sick.
‘5: Fake medical certificates: The “healing miracles” broadcast to millions regularly included medical reports stating people had been cured of HIV/Aids and diseases like cancer.
“6: Video manipulation: The “miracles” were filmed and then edited to make it look like the supposed healing had happened instantaneously. Before and after footage was spliced together to show his purported miraculous powers, but in reality, the films were shot months, or even a year, apart.
The preacher, accused of widespread abuse and torture spanning nearly two decades, established the SCOAN in Lagos over 30 years ago. His rapid ascent to fame was closely associated with his self-proclaimed divine powers and alleged ability to heal the sick.
Joshua passed away on June 5, 2021.
