Publisher of Ovation Magazine Dele Momodu has reacted to the three-part documentary on the late Prophet TB Joshua published by BBC Africa Eye on Monday, January 8.
In the documentary, the news platform 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.
Many believed they were the only ones being assaulted and did not dare share what was happening to them with the other disciples, as they were all encouraged to report on each other.
Some former disciples of Joshua claimed they were made to work, without pay, for long hours each day – running all aspects of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN). They said sleep deprivation was routine, with lights left on in the dormitories at night.
Mr Momodu, who was Joshua’s friend and visits SCOAN occasionally, said via Instagram about the allegations that the late cleric was not present to defend himself.
“PROPHET TEMITOPE BALOGUN JOSHUA in his lifetime suffered loads of attacks… And even in his death, he continues to generate controversies… Unfortunately, he’s not here to defend himself,” he wrote.
