Femi Fani-Kayode has come to the defense of the late Prophet TB Joshua, founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), in response to a critical three-part documentary released by BBC Africa Eye on January 8.
The documentary featured testimonies from 16 former disciples of Joshua who claimed to have experienced sexual assault or rape at the hands of the late prophet. One individual, identified only as Victoria, revealed that Joshua instructed trusted Nigerian disciples to identify new victims, forming an informal group known as the “fishing department,” which coerced her into joining. Another former disciple, Jessica Kaimu, now a broadcast journalist in Namibia, alleged that she was raped by Joshua in his penthouse bathroom when she was just 17 years old and a virgin.
Additional claims from former disciples included allegations of unpaid and laborious work, with long hours and routine sleep deprivation while managing various aspects of SCOAN.
In response to these accusations, Fani-Kayode took to social media to express his support for Joshua, asserting that not even the BBC could tarnish Joshua’s legacy. The former minister conveyed gratitude to Joshua for his positive impact on the Christian faith, humanity, and Nigeria.
“Indeed, you touched many lives, fought valiantly, stood firm till the end, and established a lasting legacy,” Fani-Kayode wrote. “No amount of false accusations, not even from the BBC, can destroy it! Rest in peace, brother, and thank you for being a tremendous blessing to the Church, the Christian faith, humanity, and our beloved nation, Nigeria. We are and will always be proud of you.”
