Investigation by BBC uncovers claims of rape and torture against megachurch leader TB Joshua

The BBC has uncovered evidence of widespread abuse and torture perpetrated by the late founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), a prominent Christian evangelical organization. Dozens of former church members, including five British individuals, have come forward with allegations of atrocities such as rape and forced abortions. The abuse is said to have taken place over almost two decades within the secretive compound in Lagos, Nigeria. While SCOAN did not respond to the specific allegations, they stated that previous claims had been unfounded. TB Joshua, the charismatic preacher and televangelist who founded SCOAN, had a large global following and died in 2021. The BBC's investigation, conducted over a two-year period, revealed shocking testimonies from victims. One British woman, known as Rae, recounted her 12-year ordeal as a disciple of Joshua, describing sexual assault and prolonged solitary confinement. She also attempted suicide multiple times within the compound. The investigation involved over 25 former disciples from various countries, including Nigeria, the UK, the US, and South Africa, who provided corroborating testimonies of their experiences. Many of these victims were teenagers when they first joined SCOAN. Some described their experiences as being in a cult. The testimonies include harrowing accounts of rape, forced abortions, physical abuse, and sleep deprivation. The victims also reported being stripped and beaten with electrical cables and horse whips. The BBC's investigation was carried out in collaboration with Open Democracy and is the first time multiple former church insiders have spoken out on the record. These individuals claim to have faced intimidation and physical attacks after trying to raise the alarm in the past. Despite the allegations against Joshua, he was hailed as one of Africa's most influential pastors after his death. However, he had faced controversy earlier in his life when a guesthouse for church pilgrims collapsed in 2014, resulting in numerous deaths. SCOAN has denied previous claims against Joshua but did not respond to the specific allegations presented in the investigation. Several British citizens who escaped the church reported the abuse to UK authorities. However, they stated that no further action was taken. In one case, a British couple sent eyewitness accounts and video evidence of their ordeal to the British High Commission in Nigeria in 2010. They claimed that no action was taken, despite reporting repeated sexual assault and rape perpetrated by Joshua. SCOAN continues to operate under the leadership of Joshua's widow, Evelyn. There are calls for a thorough investigation into the organization and why Joshua was able to engage in such abuse for an extended period.