DeepSummary
The BBC's Africa Eye team spent over two years investigating allegations of systematic rape, torture, and forced abortions at the Synagogue Church of All Nations in Nigeria, led by the late evangelical pastor T.B. Joshua. Through first-hand accounts from former members, the investigation uncovered horrific details of physical and sexual abuse, with some victims alleging they were repeatedly raped by Joshua himself, starting from when they were minors.
The church recruited followers from around the world by promoting videos of Joshua's supposed 'miracle healings'. Members were subjected to severe sleep deprivation, isolation, and brainwashing techniques inside the church compound. Those who spoke out faced threats, violence, and torture. Despite attempts by victims to report the abuse to authorities, Joshua was never held accountable during his lifetime.
The episode features harrowing testimonies from women like Annika from the UK and Jessica from Namibia, who recount their experiences of being groomed, raped, and forced to have abortions. After Joshua's death in 2021, some victims have slowly rebuilt their lives, but many still grapple with the trauma they endured.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The Synagogue Church of All Nations, led by the late T.B. Joshua, was allegedly a site of systematic sexual abuse, physical torture, and forced abortions.
- The church used sophisticated recruitment tactics, including promoting videos of supposed 'miracle healings', to lure followers from around the world.
- Members were subjected to brainwashing techniques like sleep deprivation, isolation, and strict rules inside the church compound.
- Despite attempts to report the abuse, T.B. Joshua was never held accountable during his lifetime due to the church's power and influence.
- Victims have slowly begun rebuilding their lives after escaping, but many still grapple with the trauma they endured.
- The investigation raises concerns about lack of oversight and accountability for religious organizations that enable such abuses.
- The church's alleged actions highlight the dangers of cults and the techniques they use to control and exploit members.
- The BBC team undertook a difficult and dangerous two-year investigation to uncover these harrowing accounts and give a voice to the victims.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I didn't think I was in a cult. No one joins a cult. I'd never have joined a cult. Am I mad? I thought I was joining a church.“ by Ray
- “He said the whites, that he will bring them here, he will make sure that he will enslave them, that they will serve him.“ by (Unnamed source)
- “I never had a choice whether I could keep a potential child or not. I felt like I didn't own my body.“ by Jessica
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Episode Information
The Global Story
BBC World Service
1/8/24
The evangelical pastor TB Joshua amassed millions of followers around the world. Many thousands came to The Synagogue Church of All Nations in Nigeria to witness him perform miracles and heal the sick. Now, an investigation by BBC Africa Eye reveals allegations of systematic rape, physical abuse and forced abortion inside the church led by TB Joshua. Through first-hand accounts of the women who escaped, Africa Eye’s Charlie Northcott and Peter Murimi tell us what they uncovered. And explain how TB Joshua is alleged to have got away with it. You can watch Disciples: The Cult of TB Joshua on the BBC Africa YouTube channel and listen to the new season of World of Secrets wherever you get your BBC podcasts. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com. You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory This episode was made by Richard Moran and Adelle Kalakouti. The technical producers were Mike Regaard and Ricardo McCarthy. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.