Who was TB Joshua? Inside the life of 'cult' leader accused of sexually abusing 'hundreds' of young women - and did he really spend 15 months in his mother's womb?
READ MORE -- British women who were brainwashed by Christian cult in Nigeria
British woman reveals abuse she suffered at hands of Nigerian 'prophet'

By ELIZABETH HAIGH
PUBLISHED: 10:03 GMT, 8 January 2024 | UPDATED: 13:39 GMT, 8 January 2024

Temitope Balogun Joshua was worshipped by millions as a Christian preacher who claimed to perform countless miraculous healings and speaking with the word of God.

Upon his death on June 5, 2021 the church he founded in 1987, the Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN), had hundreds of millions of followers and had made him possibly the most recognisable Christian leader in Africa.

Joshua found international fame and recruited thousands of people from across the world, including the UK and other European countries.

But he has now been accused of running a 'cult' and perpetrating physical and sexual abuse against 'hundreds' of his followers in a new BBC Africa Eye documentary 'Disciples: The Cult of TB Joshua'.

From claims he spent 15 months in his mother's womb to being warmly welcomed by international leaders, MailOnline reveals the preacher's rise to revered religious leader.


Temitope Balogun Joshua, known as TB Joshua, founded an evangelical Christian church called the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) in 1987


The 'prophet' TB Joshua is accused of sexually abusing hundreds of women in a BBC documentary

TB Joshua was born into poverty on June 12, 1963 in the village of Arigidi in Ondo State, south-west Nigeria.

READ MORE British women who were brainwashed by Christian cult in Nigeria reveal how they were tortured and sexually abused by pastor who made them call him 'Daddy'

He received little formal education, failing to finish secondary school, and moved to Lagos as a young man, initially finding work on a farm.

He is believed to have worked until founding SCOAN in his mid-20s, with early videos showing him and a couple of dozen followers gathered under a bamboo marquee in the late 1980s.

Precious little is known about his early life that can be verified - but Joshua has repeatedly made wild claims about his origins which are still repeated as facts by his church today.

SCOAN claims Joshua spent 15 months in his mother's womb before his birth, and that he became a Christian as an unborn baby during this time.

There are no records to substantiate any claim that Joshua had anything but a normal development period and birth.

He attended St. Stephen Anglican Primary School between 1971 and 1977, before dropping out during the first year of secondary school to earn a living.

His teachers are said to have called him a 'little pastor' because of his religious upbringing and great love of the Bible.


Joshua died in June 2021, months after the BBC began investigating his church


TB Joshua's compound was usually guarded by gunmen and access was strictly controlled (pictured surrounded by mourners after his death in 2021)

He married his wife Evelyn in 1990, and the couple had three children. Joshua also had a fourth child, who he has previously been accused of mistreating due to her not being born of his marriage.

By the 1990s, TB Joshua was building SCOAN into an international movement. He first began recruiting western 'disciples' in the early 2000s.

At its peak, tens of thousands of people would travel to Lagos to attend each of TB Joshua's services.

He enjoyed the patronage and visits of the Nigerian President, as well as former Presidents of Ghana and Malawi, John Atta Mills and Joyce Banda.

Joshua was thought to be worth millions of pounds by the time of his death, with donations to the church pouring in from all over the world.

But his organisation has been plagued in scandal for years, including just months before his demise when his popular streaming service, Emmanuel TV, was suspended from YouTube over alleged homophobia by Joshua.

The pastor had posted videos in which he claimed to 'cure' people of their homosexuality - including by beatings.

TB Joshua had previously been criticised for claiming to be able to cure fatal diseases such as cancer, HIV and AIDs. Insiders say such miraculous healings are actually the result of minor health conditions being exaggerated and labelled as far more serious issues.

During the Ebola outbreak, he made headlines again after sending 4,000 bottles of 'blessed' water to people with the disease, claiming it could cure them.


Joshua has also been accused of faking 'miracles' by falsely claiming people had cancer

It came less than a year after four people died in a stampede in Ghana as people rushed to get their hands on his alleged 'healing water', which was being handed out at an event.

But perhaps the most controversial incident occurred in September 2014, when a guesthouse within the compound collapsed into rubble, killing at least 116 people.

The building housed around 300 foreign tourists, many of whom were from South Africa, who had paid large sums of money to visit the church.

Two days later, TB Joshua went ahead with his Sunday service almost as if nothing had happened. It is likely some of the victims were still alive, trapped under the rubble at the time.

Incredibly, he claimed that a hostile party had used an 'infrasonic' weapon against the guesthouse, launched from a low-flying plane. In the weeks that followed he said the 'attack' was an assassination attempt against him.

A thorough investigation concluded in 2015 that the building actually collapsed after being overbuilt - extra floors had been added without reinforcements being made to its foundations.

There was no attack, and SCOAN were found to be criminally negligent. No-one has ever been prosecuted over the tragedy.

Joshua died on June 5, 2021, of unconfirmed causes - although it was previously reported that he had suffered a stroke shortly before his death. He was 57.

Some of his followers later claimed he had foreseen his own death. HIs wife, Evelyn Joshua, now runs SCOAN.

BBC Africa Eye investigation 'Disciples: The Cult of TB Joshua' is a three-part documentary now on BBC iPlayer. It is also available on BBC Sounds as the new season of the podcast 'World of Secrets'.

DAILYMAIL

Who was TB Joshua?

OLAADEGBU:


Who was TB Joshua?

Christianity is a cult.
Any religion set up is a cult
Allow TB to rest

jflower06:


Christianity is a cult.
Any religion set up is a cult
Allow TB to rest

Are you also following the cult hero?

OLAADEGBU:


Are you also following the cult hero?

I am not a fan of any religion. I am into all but belong to none

jflower06:


I am not a fan of any religion. I am into all but belong to none

Could you possibly be a fan of any football club, player or political Party (politician)?

A prophet that could not forsee the collapsed of his own property.
Most pastors are ashamed of going to the hospital to seek for medical help because of the way they claim to heal all kinds of sicknesses and diseases.That is why they die mysteriously.

OLAADEGBU:


Are you also following the cult hero?

Evil will definitely fight back, Satan is at work.

So one cannot blame you for your personal opinion, even the scripture says a good man is never honored in his own country.

TB Joshua you have run your race, Rest In Peace.

Chicagograduate:
A prophet that could not forsaw the collapsed of his own property.
Most pastors are ashamed of going to the hospital to seek for medical help because of the way they claim to heal all kinds of sicknesses and diseases.That is why they die mysteriously.

Even your grammar will make the Angels of Jehovah scamper for safety.

Chicagograduate:


A prophet that could not forsaw the collapsed of his own property.
Most pastors are ashamed of going to the hospital to seek for medical help because of the way they claim to heal all kinds of sicknesses and diseases.That is why they die mysteriously.

Since the cult leader needed blood for his sacrifice why then should he warn his blind captives of the impending doom that was to befall them?

blacknp:


Evil will definitely fight back, Satan is at work.

So one cannot blame you for your personal opinion, even the scripture says a good man is never honored in his own country.

TB Joshua you have run your race, Rest In Peace.

I don't blame you because you are fulfilling Scriptures that says the time will come when people will call evil good and good evil. Kontinue.

OLAADEGBU:


Who was TB Joshua?

like what Tb Joshua said in his past messages, he said those that are blowing lies and propaganda against him are just popularising God’s works in his life and ministry. The enemies of SCOAN are just popularising the church more. Ever since the clueless enemies have blowing their lies and propaganda against him, as the church go down niii? They are just making senior prophet Tb Joshua to be much popular by the day. Upon his demise from this sinful world, they are still persecuting him. What I just know is that the church of God is marching on and gate of hell will never prevail in it.

blacknp:


Even your grammar will make the Angels of Jehovah scamper for safety.

Good grammar is not a criteria in discerning evil.

OLAADEGBU:


I don't blame you because you are fulfilling Scriptures that says the time will come when people will call evil good and good evil. Kontinue.

Yes I agree with you, that you are fulfilling the scripture, Satan is working overtime, even Jesus Christ was condemned for his good works, nothing new under the sun.

TB Joshua Rest In Peace.

TruthsFM:


like what Tb Joshua said in his past messages, he said those that are blowing lies and propaganda against him are just popularising God’s works in his life and ministry. The enemies of SCOAN are just popularising the church more. Ever since the clueless enemies have blowing their lies and propaganda against him, as the church go down niii? They are just making senior prophet Tb Joshua to be much popular by the day. Upon his demise from this sinful world, they are still persecuting him. What I just know is that the church of God is marching on and gate of hell will never prevail in it.

If your cult hero was not even born again how do you expect to have this experience?

blacknp:


Yes I agree with you, that you are fulfilling the scripture, Satan is working overtime, even Jesus Christ was condemned for his good works, nothing new under the sun.

TB Joshua Rest In Peace.

If your cult hero did not repent before he died where do you think he will end up?

Chicagograduate:
A prophet that could not forsaw the collapsed of his own property.
Most pastors are ashamed of going to the hospital to seek for medical help because of the way they claim to heal all kinds of sicknesses and diseases.That is why they die mysteriously.

No, the big ones often sneak out of the country to go get medical treatment, TB Joshua often treat himself in Turkey where nobody would really raise any eyebrow...!!

The furkers just lie to the gullible ones and appear superhuman with plenty anointing after treatment outside..!!

Know of one low level and upcoming one like that, preaching and shouting how Jesus is the answer to all issues, managed to open branch in Abuja and other zones, when he came down with sickness, after plenty prayer to no avail, he ended up in herberlist house for treatment by then it was too late and he died..!!

Upon his death, his family in the village had to move in to take possession of the church, emplyed a pastor to co run the Church with their late brother's wife, and at every year end, the wife do account for the family..!!

Money shares in 3 equal part, one part for the wife and kids, one for the upkeep of the church and the third part to be shared by the extended families in the village...!!

So every year end is time for sharing profit made from the church business and the school attached to it..!!

OLAADEGBU:


If your cult hero did not repent before he died where do you think he will end up?

Who am I a Sinner, to judge another person?

Chicagograduate:
A prophet that could not forsaw the collapsed of his own property.
Most pastors are ashamed of going to the hospital to seek for medical help because of the way they claim to heal all kinds of sicknesses and diseases.That is why they die mysteriously.

Baba said the building collapse was an assassination attempt on him, but I'm sure before he added the extra floors without reinforcing the foundation he was warned of the danger by the builders.

Its likely he had another stroke or even a heart attack after his miracle water did not save him. The first stroke was a mild form and "his miracle water" saved him. The second is always deadly.

blacknp:
Even your grammar will make the Angels of Jehovah scamper for safety.

Please ignore my grammatical (Forsee) error and embrace the message.English is sometimes hard.

OLAADEGBU:


Could you possibly be a fan of any football club, player or political Party (politician)?

Nothing interests me beyond ordinary.

Righteousness2:
I am not in a place to say if these accusations about the man is true or false.

What I know is that he was not pure!
His hands were soaked in high Diabolical / Deceptional Serpentile spiritual transactions.

I am privileged to know what took him. I believe in due season GOD himself will expose everything. But know that he didn't just go. There was a battle/ Encounter in the Spiritual realm that took him few days before he physically went.

Except he repented and made peace with JESUS CHRIST before he departed, he is gone .

Over 85% of these " Prophet suddenlies" screaming of him being a real man of GOD are those in the system of deception. The remaining are just carnal minded persons.

We are in the Endtimes ! You have to be Conciously soaked in GOD and HIS Word so as not to be a casullty of "Charlatans and prophet suddenlies"

you are a big hypocrite. You Said you were In no position to tell if he was a real man of God or not but you ended up opining that he was of the Devil. In the light of these, check your standing with Christ too

Leave TB Joshua to rest Nigerians.





Selling now in Surulere Lagos.

Call us today!

blacknp:


Who am I a Sinner, to judge another person?

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. - (1 Cor. 2:15).

That is why you need to be born again. A man with the Spirit of God can discern the spirit of men.

OLAADEGBU:


If your cult hero was not even born again how do you expect to have this experience?

he’s not a cultist ok. So stop your lies and propaganda here. Your lies never hold any water

TruthsFM:


he’s not a cultist ok. So stop your lies and propaganda here. Your lies never hold any water

Was he ever born again?

TB Joshua Was A False Prophet & Magician - Rev. Chris Okotie(PART 1)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqdU_muzupg

In this explosive video, Rev Chris Okotie, one of the first and most vocal voice against TB Joshua, analyses the many lies and deceptions of TB Joshua.

I will rather go to TB Joshua than the British Church with Gay and Queer Bishops.
The anger of Britain against TB Joshua is because many Britons are coming to Nigeria and spending money to seek for lost faith in Nigeria and I will not support them to destroy one of the attractions that brings in foreign currency to Nigeria through religious tourism like Saudi Arabia and Israel and Canterbury.

They should focus on bombing Houthis in Yemen and killing infants in Gaza and creating conflicts everywhere leave us alone to handle our religious leaders, if we support them they will move to rubbish our traditional worshippers next which is now attracting visitors from South America like Brazil and the Caribbean.

its the loss of revenue and inflow from UK to Nigeria that is paining BBC and the fact that even Nigeria Anglican church has cut off from the Church of England due to LGBTQ

Chicagograduate:
A prophet that could not forsee the collapsed of his own property.
Most pastors are ashamed of going to the hospital to seek for medical help because of the way they claim to heal all kinds of sicknesses and diseases.That is why they die mysteriously.

I am not a supporter of TB Joshua but I will like to enlighten you on a fact.
A prophet only sees what God wants him to see. Sometimes deep things are hidden even from servants of God.
There was no man closer to God than David. He had prophets everywhere but little did he have an idea when his son was about to wrestle power over him to become King. If you have read the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman, Elisha admitted that God hid the issue of the death of her son from him. Fortunately, God still used him for the restoration. Spiritual things are very deep. Don't judge prophets by what they couldn't prophesy about.

OLAADEGBU:
TB Joshua Was A False Prophet & Magician - Rev. Chris Okotie(PART 1)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqdU_muzupg

In this explosive video, Rev Chris Okotie, one of the first and most vocal voice against TB Joshua, analyses the many lies and deceptions of TB Joshua.

TB Joshua Was A False Prophet & Magician - Rev. Chris Okotie(PART 2)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSDcUOsNygA

OLAADEGBU:


Was he ever born again?

he is a born again Christian and he leads millions of souls to Christ before his demise in 2021

TruthsFM:


he is a born again Christian and he leads millions of souls to Christ before his demise in 2021

Do you know what it means to be born again?