The Synagogue Church of all Nations (SCOAN), has strongly reacted to a BBC documentary released on Monday, which accuses the late founder of SCOAN, Temitope Babatunde Joshua, known as TB Joshua, of various crimes, including rape against some members.
In a statement signed by its Public Affairs Director, Mr. Dare Adejumo, SCOAN dismissed the documentary as unfounded, stating that the characters interviewed in the report were unknown to the church. The church emphasized that the BBC’s investigative unit, Africa Eye, had deviated from journalistic principles of fairness, balance, and objectivity.
SCOAN asserted that BBC compromised its journalistic integrity, engaging in fictional narratives and propaganda, and accused the media outlet of being a weapon for a hatchet job against a perceived enemy.
The church expressed disappointment with BBC’s deviation from true journalism and referred to the documentary as insulting to both professional and public intelligence.
The statement noted that despite the BBC’s efforts, the indelible footprints of TB Joshua’s legacies and the countless beneficiaries of his ministry’s miracles and grace could not be discredited.
The church criticized the BBC for not seeking direct experience from SCOAN and relying on disgruntled and manipulated individuals, some of whom were unknown in SCOAN.
SCOAN accused the BBC of showcasing a biased perspective and attempting to tarnish the reputation of the late TB Joshua and the church. The church condemned the report, sought God’s forgiveness for the sponsors of the documentary, and highlighted that persecution of divine envoys or servants of God was not new in history.
SCOAN denounced the BBC documentary as an attack on the church’s integrity and an attempt to discredit the legacy of TB Joshua, emphasizing the positive impact and testimonies from beneficiaries of the ministry.
Emmanuel TV to Cease Broadcast on MultiChoice Platforms
Emmanuel TV, owned by the late Prophet Temitope Babatunde Joshua, founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), will no longer be available on MultiChoice platforms, including DStv and GOtv, starting January 17th, 2024. The religious TV channel’s departure comes amidst the release of a three-part documentary by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), detailing alleged atrocities and sexual crimes committed by the late TB Joshua.
MultiChoice confirmed that Emmanuel TV would no longer be part of DStv and GOtv packages from the specified date, and it is also expected to exit other pay-TV platforms, including StarSat. This move follows the controversial BBC documentary that investigated the clandestine lifestyle of the late SCOAN founder, unveiling stories of abuse, harassment, rape, manipulation, and staged miracles.
The documentary, featuring interviews with at least 30 former members and workers of SCOAN, reveals allegations of sexual crimes spanning over two decades, with claims that the church was aware but never investigated them. It also delves into how SCOAN allegedly shielded its congregation from the truth about the collapse of one of its guesthouses in 2014.
Emmanuel TV, established by TB Joshua in Nigeria in 2006, gained global popularity through its YouTube channel, becoming one of the most subscribed Christian ministry channels. However, in April 2021, YouTube shut down the channel due to claims of “gay curing,” violating policies against alleging mental illness or inferiority based on sexual orientation.
Since TB Joshua’s passing in June 2021, Emmanuel TV has faced challenges under the new management led by Pastor Evelyn Joshua. The new management’s efforts to revive the church and its viewership have encountered difficulties, with the channel relying heavily on rebroadcasting old content and repeats of the late televangelist’s programs.
This development further impacts SCOAN’s reputation and viewership, as it faces challenges in stepping into the late founder’s shoes and addressing controversies surrounding the church.
