Temitope Joshua, better known as TB Joshua, the late founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) has once again had his character called into question. Despite his controversial reputation as a preacher, his influence was undeniable. He was a charismatic figure, with an almost mystical quality that confounded his critics.
BBC media, in a recent investigation, claimed to have uncovered evidence of widespread abuse and torture by the founder of one of the world's biggest Christian evangelical churches. According to the report, many former members of the church, including five British citizens, accused him of rape, torture, and forced abortions. The allegations of abuse were said to have happened in a secretive Lagos compound spanning almost two decades.
“One of the victims said that Joshua raped her when she was 17 and broke her virginity. Rae, a British woman, said that Joshua sexually abused her for 12 years. She tried to kill herself five times and felt like she was in hell.”
This article is not a critique of his miraculous feats, but it does aim to address the alleged injustice of rape, solitary, and other forms of physical and mental abuse that was inflicted on his followers. It also examines the issue of naivety or poverty-induced illiteracy in the name of religion, which is a common problem in Nigerian society.
The victims of TB Joshua's alleged abuse have suffered not only from the trauma of their experiences but also from the silence and indifference of the authorities and the society. Despite reporting their cases to the police, the British High Commission, and the media, they received little or no support or protection. One can only imagine the stigma, threats, and harassment they are currently facing for coming out from society, church, and its followers, which is the major reason why most victims who experience injustice keep quiet, the evil remains rampant and unaddressed.
TB Joshua was a powerful and wealthy man, who may have used his influence and money to silence his critics and evade justice. He is yet to be held accountable for his alleged actions, even after his death. This is a grave injustice that violates the human rights and dignity of the victims. They deserve to be heard, believed, and compensated for their ordeal. They also deserve to see the church and its leaders face the full force of the law if the slightest truth is found.
Poverty and illiteracy are major social problems in Nigeria that affect millions of people, especially in the rural areas and the northern regions. According to the World Bank, Nigeria has the largest number of people living in extreme poverty in the world, with about 40 percent of the population living below the national poverty line of 137,430 naira ($381.75) per year. The same report also states that Nigeria has a low human capital index, which measures the health and education outcomes of the population. Nigeria ranks 152 out of 157 countries in the index, with only 51 percent of children completing primary education and 10 percent completing secondary education.
Poverty and illiteracy make people vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation by religious leaders and cults, who promise them hope, healing, and prosperity. Religion is a powerful force in Nigeria, where about half of the population is Christian. However, some religious groups have deviated from mainstream teachings of their faith and have adopted practices that are harmful, violent, or oppressive just like having a secretive building that authorities can't access. These groups are often referred to as cults, which are secret societies that have their own beliefs, rituals, and symbols.
Many people were drawn to TB Joshua’s church by his claims of healing and prophecy, but they did not know the alleged dark secrets behind his mystique. Now, his miracles are overshadowed by a cloud of disturbing allegations that demand transparency and accountability.
As a church and organization, it is essential to maintain a high standard of conduct. Whether true or false, it's important to provide strong evidence to either refute or investigate the allegations. Additionally, it is important to extend sympathy to the victims and commit to conducting a thorough inquiry.
It's worth noting that the SCOAN church has been involved in several high-profile incidents that have cast doubt on its credibility. One of the most tragic incidents took place in September 2014, when the church's headquarters in Lagos collapsed, resulting in the deaths of many foreigners. In the aftermath, the church's founder, the late Joshua, claimed that he received a call warning him of a mysterious aircraft hovering over his prayer room, and shortly after the aircraft had moved, the building collapsed implying that the aircraft brought the church building down.
The Lagos State Coroner's Inquest found that the church leadership was guilty of "criminal negligence" and recommended that they be prosecuted for the deaths of 116 individuals, the majority of whom were South Africans. The court also determined that the church had begun construction of the building without obtaining the necessary permits or approval.
While we understand that the church is made up of imperfect people, they must prioritize their humanity above all else. Many Christians in Nigeria see the church as a place of refuge, and they must live up to that expectation. Additionally, the Federal Government of Nigeria should implement a system of checks and balances to ensure transparency within churches across the country.
It is deeply frustrating that 10 years on the allegations persist, and many lives are lost, destroyed, and irreparably damaged. There is no accountability or compensation in sight. The victims’ families need closure that can only come when the church speaks up, a re-investigation is conducted into all allegations, including the collapsed building, accountability is upheld, and justice is served.
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29th January, 2024.
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