Former minister of aviation Femi Fani-Kayode has defended the founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) the late Prophet TB Joshua following a three-part damning documentary published on Monday, January 8.
BBC Africa Eye said it spoke with 16 of Joshua’s former disciples who provided first-hand testimony of sexual assault or rape by Joshua.
Identifying herself only with her first name, Victoria said Joshua ordered some of his most trusted Nigerian disciples to help identify new victims. The group was informally known as the “fishing department” and she said it ultimately coerced her into joining.
Jessica Kaimu, now a broadcast journalist in Namibia, said she was just 17 and a virgin when Joshua raped her in the bathroom of his penthouse, within weeks of her becoming a disciple.
Some former disciples of Joshua claimed they were made to work, without pay, for long hours each day – running all aspects of SCOAN. They said sleep deprivation was routine, with lights left on in the dormitories at night.
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Reacting to the allegations via social media, Fani-Kayode said not even the BBC could destroy Joshua’s legacy.
The ex-minister thanked Joshua for being a blessing to the Christian faith, humanity and Nigeria.
“So true! You touched many lives, fought a good fight, stood till the end and established a great and enduring legacy,” he wrote, “No man or institution can destroy it with dirty lies: not even the BBC!
“Continue to rest in peace brother and thanks for being such a blessing to the Church, the Christian faith, humanity and our beloved nation Nigeria. We are and shall always be very proud of you.”
