A recent BBC Africa Eye report has brought to light startling claims of deceptive practices within the late Nigerian televangelist, TB Joshua’s Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN).
The investigation, drawing insights from over 25 insiders across various countries, lists six ways in which Joshua allegedly fabricated miracles.
1. Emergency Department Deception
An exclusive section within the church, named the “emergency department,” allegedly screened and selected individuals for filmed and prayed-for miracles.
Former supervisor, Agomoh Paul, claimed the team was “trained by medical doctors” to manipulate ailments, using a complicated system known to only a select few disciples.
2. Drug-Related Manipulation
Foreign visitors were reportedly asked to stop their medications, with Joshua secretly ordering pharmacists to provide the same drugs.
These medications were then mixed into blessed fruit drinks, creating an illusion of divine healing. Instances from the 1990s, including advice to HIV/AIDS patients, were cited, with devastating consequences.
3. Brainwashing and Theatricality
Former disciples revealed that followers were instructed to exaggerate their problems for supposed divine healing.
The church allegedly supplied wheelchairs, coercing individuals to use them for healing to occur.
Reports also mentioned manipulation of emergency department workers through horrifying ordeals and strict rules.
4. Bribes for Fake Miracles
Disciples claimed they were tasked with finding people in need of money to pretend to be sick.
Allegedly, in poorer areas during healing crusades, individuals were paid to act out scenes, and Joshua would perform supposed miracles on them during services.
5. Forgery of Medical Certificates
The investigation exposed the use of fake medical certificates, including reports of HIV/AIDS and cancer cures.
Doctors were reportedly interviewed on camera confirming these cures, but insiders claimed it was all staged.
6. Video Manipulation and Editing
The miracles captured on film were allegedly edited to make them appear instantaneous. Former chief video editor, Bisola, revealed that footage was spliced together, shot months apart, creating a misleading portrayal of Joshua’s supposed miraculous powers.
Quest Times learned that despite reaching out to SCOAN for a response, BBC Africa received no reply.
The church, however, denied previous claims against Joshua, asserting that none of the allegations was ever substantiated.