In a recently released documentary by BBC Africa Eye, a former disciple of the late Prophet TB Joshua has come forward with disturbing allegations, claiming that Joshua instructed some of his mentees to recruit virgins for the purpose of assault.
The documentary, published on Monday, features testimonies from 16 former disciples of Joshua who recount firsthand experiences of sexual assault or rape by the late prophet. Many victims believed they were isolated in their experiences and did not feel comfortable sharing their plight with other disciples, as a culture of mutual reporting was encouraged among them.
One former disciple, identified only by the name Victoria, disclosed that Joshua directed trusted Nigerian disciples to assist in identifying new victims, forming an informal group referred to as the “fishing department.” According to Victoria, she was ultimately coerced into joining this group.
Another individual, Bisola, who chose not to disclose her full name, revealed, “TB Joshua asked me to recruit virgins for him… So that he could bring them into the disciple-fold and disvirgin them.” She explained that her involvement was influenced by both indoctrination and threats of violence, and she, too, claimed to have been repeatedly assaulted by Joshua.
Bisola disclosed that she spent 14 years within Joshua’s compound at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN). Several women recounted instances of sexual assault or rape that occurred when they were below the legal age of consent, which is 18 in Lagos State.
One such account came from Jessica Kaimu, now a broadcast journalist in Namibia, who stated that she was just 17 years old and a virgin when Joshua allegedly raped her in the bathroom of his penthouse, shortly after joining as a disciple. The allegations presented in the documentary raise serious concerns about the conduct within the religious institution led by TB Joshua.
