The three-part documentary, “Disciples: The Cult of TB Joshua,” alleges manipulation, abuse, and investigates 2014 building collapse.
A recent three-part exposé by the British Broadcasting Corporation’s Africa Eye on the late televangelist, Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua (TB Joshua), has stirred controversy on social media. The documentary, titled “Disciples: The Cult of TB Joshua,” features testimonies from former disciples and church workers, mainly from the United States, the United Kingdom, Namibia, and South Africa, making serious allegations against the late prophet.
Witnesses claim they were manipulated and physically abused by TB Joshua, compelling them to stay with him for extended periods, some up to 14 years. The exposé also delves into the tragic September 12, 2014 building collapse at the Synagogue Church of All Nations’ guest house, owned by Joshua. The collapse resulted in the deaths of at least 116 people, primarily foreigners.
The documentary has sparked shock and calls for a thorough investigation into the allegations. Social media platforms are abuzz with discussions and reactions, with netizens expressing concern over the revelations. As the exposé gains traction, it has reignited debates on the dynamics of power, influence, and accountability within religious institutions, particularly in the context of charismatic leaders and their followers. The claims made in the Africa Eye documentary are expected to prompt further scrutiny and discussions surrounding TB Joshua’s legacy and the events surrounding the Synagogue building collapse.
On X, formerly Twitter, where the story has been leading trends one user @EDWARDVICTOR14 posted, “So, u even believed someone saying T.B Joshua never pulls his short when he want to shit. That, right there in the toilet, they will be with him and they will be the ones to pull down his nika to shit 😏 haba na! 😐 even if u no get common sense, it shouldn’t be that senseless na”
@enugufirstson22 “Manipulation at the highest order💔💔 This is so painful 😓”
@DominionProgre1 “Lets be guided for T.B Joshua recent rumours unveiled by British Broadcasting co-operation (BBC). Do not join the crowd to carry this news. The dead cannot speak for themselves, be very careful things you say. Am not T.B Joshua fan, but i have to say this as a rational thinker”
@Mo_p3gyimie “So if T.B Joshua was white, will BBC do this? Why do you guys hate Africa this much? Why didn’t you do this when he was alive? EVIL PEOPLE”
If T.B Joshua was a white man, by now he would be called SAINT Joshua.
— Counsellor Sunny Ejeje (@CounsellorSunny) January 9, 2024
But because he's black, he's a sinner and unfortunately our fellow black mumu people are the ones dragging a dead man left to right.
I'm waiting for the day BBC will investigate the atrocities of the Queen… pic.twitter.com/kjoa0aG6Tm
Me 2 seconds into the T.B Joshua documentary pic.twitter.com/BS6K1zEZsS
— Director. Bello (@Director_bello) January 8, 2024
When the BBC reached out to the current church leadership, they received a succinct statement that read, “It is not unusual for people to make false accusations against Prophet TB Joshua. Never once were any of the accusations proven true.” The specific allegations made in the documentary, however, were not addressed by the church.