TB Joshua Warning: You are not logged in. Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits. If you log in or create an account, your edits will be attributed to your username, along with other benefits.Anti-spam check. Do not fill this in! ==Criticism and controversy== Joshua was intensely controversial.<ref>{{Cite news| title = 10 things you didn't know about T B Joshua and his SCOAN ministry| url = http://buzznigeria.com/tb-joshua/| publisher = Buzznigeria.com| date = 25 July 2014| access-date = 26 July 2014| archive-date = 29 July 2014| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140729151936/http://buzznigeria.com/tb-joshua/| url-status = live}}</ref> Several prominent pastors in and outside Nigeria condemned him, including Pastor [[Chris Okotie]], who described him as a "son of the devil"<ref>{{Cite news| first = Nicola| last = Menzie| title = Nigerian Pastor Who Preaches With Armed Guards Rebuked For Saying Catholics Going To Hell Calling Pope Anti-Christ| url = http://www.christianpost.com/news/nigerian-pastor-who-preaches-with-armed-guards-rebuked-for-saying-catholics-going-to-hell-calling-pope-anti-christ-110871/| work = Christian Post| date = 16 December 2013| access-date = 8 April 2016| archive-date = 14 August 2016| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160814203341/http://www.christianpost.com/news/nigerian-pastor-who-preaches-with-armed-guards-rebuked-for-saying-catholics-going-to-hell-calling-pope-anti-christ-110871/| url-status = live}}</ref> as well as [[Enoch Adeboye]], [[David Oyedepo]], [[Ayo Oritsejafor]], [[Paul Adefarasin]], [[Matthew Ashimolowo]], and [[Ted Haggard]].<ref>{{Cite news | first = Sam | last = Eyoboka | title = 'I Will Not Worship In TB Joshua's Church', Says Adeboye | url = http://www.modernghana.com/movie/4190/i-will-not-worship-in-tb-joshuas-church-says-adeboye.html | work = Modern Ghana | date = 7 March 2009 | access-date = 8 April 2016 | archive-date = 23 April 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160423114655/http://www.modernghana.com/movie/4190/i-will-not-worship-in-tb-joshuas-church-says-adeboye.html | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | first = J. Lee | last = Grady | title = Church Leaders Still At Odds Over Credibility Of Faith Healer | url = http://www.charismamag.com/spirit/devotionals/daily-breakthroughs?view=article&id=758:church-leaders-still-at-odds-over-credibility-of-faith-healer-tb-joshua&catid=154 | work = Charisma Magazine (US) | access-date = 23 May 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160505004514/http://www.charismamag.com/spirit/devotionals/daily-breakthroughs?view=article&id=758:church-leaders-still-at-odds-over-credibility-of-faith-healer-tb-joshua&catid=154 | archive-date = 5 May 2016 | url-status = dead }}</ref> The [[Christian Association of Nigeria]] (CAN) rejected him (although a CAN delegation attended his funeral) and the [[Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria]] often criticized him.<ref name=Campbell/> Numerous evangelical and Pentecostal figures in Nigeria denounced Joshua as an "impostor" and [[occult]] figure posing as an evangelical.<ref name=Lee2014/> In 2010, [[Cameroon]]'s foreign minister [[Henri Eyebe Ayissi]] termed Joshua a "son of the devil pretending to be a man of God" and advised hundreds of Cameroonians not to take a planned pilgrimage to Lagos, where several others had been left without accommodation.<ref name="Ateba"/> Rumours of a visit by Joshua to Zimbabwe in 2012 led to an intense national debate, culminating with pastors and politicians strongly objecting.<ref name="Zambia Watchdog Zambia"/> In 2011, the BBC reported that at least three people in [[London]] with HIV died after they stopped taking life saving drugs on the advice of evangelical Christian pastors. The HIV prevention charity [[African Health Policy Network]] (AHPN) believed that SCOAN, which maintained an office in [[Southwark, London]], "may" be one of those involved in such practices; SCOAN responded by saying that "we do not ask people to stop taking their medication".<ref name=HIVcure>{{Cite news| title = Church HIV prayer cure claims 'cause three deaths'| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-14406818| publisher = Bbc.co.uk| date = 18 October 2011| access-date = 21 June 2018| archive-date = 18 October 2011| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111018164909/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-14406818| url-status = live}}</ref> In 2014, SCOAN published videos in which a man who called himself "Mustapha" and purported to be a member of the [[Islamic terrorism|Islamic terrorist]] group [[Boko Haram]] said that he, and four others, had planned to "bomb" the church, but that he decided to confess these plans after hearing Joshua's prayers.<ref>{{Cite news| first = Raheem| last = Ibrahim| title = Boko Haram Plans To Bomb TB Joshua's Church Averted| url = http://www.nigerianobservernews.com/13032014/news/news16.html#.VuKOVZwrKUk| work = Nigerian Observer (Nigeria)| date = 13 March 2014| access-date = 23 May 2016| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160311192009/http://www.nigerianobservernews.com/13032014/news/news16.html#.VuKOVZwrKUk| archive-date = 11 March 2016| url-status = dead}}</ref><ref name=PTNG>{{Cite news | title = Group Demands Investigation Of Self-Confessed Boko Haram Member At TB Joshua's Church | url = http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/156470-group-demands-investigation-self-confessed-boko-haram-member-tb-joshuas-church.html | work = Premium Times (Nigeria) | date = 10 March 2014 | access-date = 11 March 2016 | archive-date = 11 March 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160311200232/http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/156470-group-demands-investigation-self-confessed-boko-haram-member-tb-joshuas-church.html | url-status = live }}</ref> SCOAN's video clip of the purported confession went viral on YouTube.<ref>{{Cite news | title = T.B Joshua Releases Full Video Clip Of Boko Haram Deliverance | url = http://www.nigerianeye.com/2014/03/watch-video-tb-joshua-releases-full.html | work = Nigerian Eye (Nigeria) | date = 16 March 2014 | access-date = 11 March 2016 | archive-date = 11 March 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160311194752/http://www.nigerianeye.com/2014/03/watch-video-tb-joshua-releases-full.html | url-status = live }}</ref> The Nigerian [[Movement for Accountability and Good Governance]] called on authorities to investigate the authenticity of the claims.<ref name=PTNG/> ===Building collapse=== {{main|Synagogue Church building collapse}} On 12 September 2014, a guesthouse at SCOAN's compound in Lagos collapsed, killing at least 115 people, of whom 84 were South Africans.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-29235209 TB Joshua Lagos church collapse: Many South Africans dead] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922063911/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-29235209 |date=22 September 2022 }} ''BBC''</ref> ===Posthumous abuse accusations=== In 2024, the BBC published findings from a two-year investigation, reporting that Joshua had abused followers over more than 15 years.<ref name="BBC 2024"/> The BBC reported that at least 150 people lived in Joshua's secretive Lagos compound as disciples, sometimes for years or decades, and many interviewees described SCOAN as a [[cult]].<ref name="BBC 2024"/> More than 25 church followers from various countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Britain, the U.S., South Africa, Namibia, and Germany, revealed alleged abuse within the church and by Joshua personally, including multiple rapes, torture, and [[forced abortion]]s.<ref name="BBC 2024"/> One Namibian woman said that Joshua repeatedly raped her, the first time when she was seventeen years old, and that she was forced to have five [[unsafe abortion]]s while at the compound.<ref name="BBC 2024"/> A British woman also said that Joshua had assaulted her, and that she was held under [[solitary confinement]] in the compound, where she made numerous [[suicide attempt]]s.<ref name="BBC 2024"/> Multiple other interviewees reported that they were regularly subject to physical abuse, such as being beaten with electrical cables and horse whips, and were subjected to [[sleep deprivation]].<ref name="BBC 2024"/> Other witnesses in Nigeria said that after publicly disclosing abuse, they were attacked.<ref name="BBC 2024"/> SCOAN denied that Joshua had committed any wrongdoing.<ref name="BBC 2024"/> Joshua was again accused of faking televised "healings" of followers.<ref name="BBC 2024"/> The BBC report led to negative response in African media, with the report being condemned as 'propaganda',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blueprint.ng/the-bbc-public-interest-or-propaganda/|title=The BBC: Public interest or propaganda?|last=Idris|first=Tijani|date=28 September 2023|accessdate=28 January 2024|publisher=Blueprint Newspaper}}</ref> and "dirty lies",<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dailypost.ng/2024/01/09/theyre-dirty-lies-fani-kayode-fumes-over-bbcs-heavy-allegations-against-tb-joshua/|title='They're dirty lies' - Fani-Kayode fumes over BBC's heavy allegations against TB Joshua|last=Sunday|first=Ochogwu|date=9 January 2024|accessdate=29 January 2024|publisher=[[Daily Post (Nigeria)|Daily Post Newspaper]]}}</ref> and other sources questioning why the BBC chose to publish the report long after Joshua's death, where no response would be possible.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cameroonnewsagency.com/documentary-on-tb-joshua-bbc-criticized-for-releasing-film-on-dead-prophet/|title=Documentary on TB Joshua: BBC criticized for releasing film on dead prophet|date=8 January 2024|accessdate=28 January 2024|publisher=Cameroon News Agency}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://dailypost.ng/2024/01/09/tb-joshua-lies-have-become-truth-iginla-reacts-to-bbc-report/|title=TB Joshua: Lies have become truth - Iginla reacts to BBC report|date=9 January 2024|publisher=[[Daily Post (Nigeria)|Daily Post Newspaper]]}}</ref> SCOAN itself condemned the BBC for "descending into fictional narratives and propaganda, thus turning itself into a weapon for a hatchet job as gangsters in the gab of journalism with a destructive ulterior motive for personal gains against a perceived enemy".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://leadership.ng/synagogue-church-tackles-bbc-over-documentary/|title=Synagogue Church Tackles BBC Over Documentary|date=10 January 2024 |accessdate=28 January 2024|publisher=Leadership News}}</ref> === Purported healings and miracles=== Joshua's former chief lieutenant, Agomoh Paul, who left the SCOAN compound after ten years, said that Joshua was a "genius" manipulator.<ref name=NorthcottSpooner/> Paul said that he was in charge of faking "miracles" purportedly performed by Joshua.<ref name=NorthcottSpooner/> Paul and others interviewed by BBC News said that those who seemed to be "cured" at the church were frequently paid to "perform or exaggerate their symptoms before their supposed healing took place" and in some instances were drugged or medicated as part of the "faith healing" process.<ref name=NorthcottSpooner/> Some were falsely told that they had HIV/AIDS but had made a recovery due to Joshua.<ref name=NorthcottSpooner/> Joshua's followers attributed miraculous properties to anointing water that had been prayed over by Joshua, claiming that it healed wounds,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Edjewhovbo |first=Benson |date=22 July 2010 |title=Curing Four Year Old Acid Victim |work=Daily Independent |url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201007230244.html |access-date=18 December 2012 |archive-date=29 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629143729/http://allafrica.com/stories/201007230244.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ndlovu-Gherke |first=Nomsa |date=16 July 2010 |title=By Divine Connection |work=The Voice (Botswana) |url=http://www.thevoicebw.com/2010/07/16/by-devine-connection/ |url-status=dead |access-date=18 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502000736/http://www.thevoicebw.com/2010/07/16/by-devine-connection/ |archive-date=2 May 2014}}</ref> or saved them from explosions or helicoper crashes.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Njoku |first=Ihechuwku |date=27 October 2015 |title='How T.B Joshua's morning water saved us from Bristow Helicopter crash' |work=Vanguard (Nigeria) |url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/10/how-t-b-joshuas-morning-water-saved-us-from-bristow-helicopter-crash/ |access-date=25 February 2016 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304091026/http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/10/how-t-b-joshuas-morning-water-saved-us-from-bristow-helicopter-crash/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Orenuga |first=Adenike |date=21 April 2014 |title=How T.B Joshua's anointing water saved us from the Nyanya bomb blast β Survivors |work=Daily Post (Nigeria) |url=http://dailypost.ng/2014/04/21/t-b-joshuas-anointing-water-saved-us-nyanya-bomb-blast-survivors/ |access-date=25 February 2016 |archive-date=8 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308021625/http://dailypost.ng/2014/04/21/t-b-joshuas-anointing-water-saved-us-nyanya-bomb-blast-survivors/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2013, four people died in a stampede in Joshua's Ghanaian branch when an unadvertised service in which the water was being distributed drew huge crowds that exceeded the church's capacity. The incident nearly brought Ghana's capital city, [[Accra]], to a standstill, and led to criticism of Joshua.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hirsch |first=Afua |date=23 May 2013 |title=Celebrity Pastor Under Fire After Worshippers Die In Rush For 'Holy Water' |work=The Guardian (UK) |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/may/23/ghana-pastor-stampede-tbjoshua |access-date=16 December 2016 |archive-date=8 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608170909/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/may/23/ghana-pastor-stampede-tbjoshua |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2014, during the [[West African Ebola virus epidemic]], Joshua also made headlines when he claimed his anointing water could cure people suffering from [[Ebola]]. He subsequently sent 4,000 bottles of the water and $50,000 to the Ebola-stricken nation of [[Sierra Leone]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tracy |first=Abigail |date=15 August 2014 |title=This Guy Sent Sierra Leone 4,000 Bottles of Holy Water to Cure Ebola |work=Vocativ |url=http://www.vocativ.com/world/nigeria-world/ebola-outbreak-2014/ |access-date=25 February 2016 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304030132/http://www.vocativ.com/world/nigeria-world/ebola-outbreak-2014/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Griffin |first=Andrew |date=17 August 2014 |title=Millionaire Preacher Sends 4,000 Bottles Of Holy Water As Ebola Cure |work=The Independent (UK) |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/millionaire-preacher-sends-4000-bottles-of-holy-water-as-ebola-cure-9674136.html |access-date=15 September 2017 |archive-date=6 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706124753/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/millionaire-preacher-sends-4000-bottles-of-holy-water-as-ebola-cure-9674136.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A Sierra Leonean politician claimed that the water cured Ebola.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ogbeche |first=Danielle |date=3 November 2015 |title=TB Joshua's 'Anointing Water' Reportedly Curing Ebola In Sierra Leone |work=Daily Post (Nigeria) |url=http://dailypost.ng/2015/11/03/tb-joshuas-anointing-water-reportedly-curing-ebola-in-sierra-leone/ |access-date=25 February 2016 |archive-date=19 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160219201807/http://dailypost.ng/2015/11/03/tb-joshuas-anointing-water-reportedly-curing-ebola-in-sierra-leone/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Lagos State Health officials visited Joshua and asked that he use his influnce to publicly discourage Ebola victims from visiting his church for prayers.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moon |first=Ruth |date=29 October 2014 |title=Why Nigerian Health Officials Turned to a Megachurch Pastor When Ebola Struck |work=Christianity Today |url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2014/november/ebola-tb-joshua-healing.html |access-date=29 December 2014 |archive-date=1 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101160614/http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2014/november/ebola-tb-joshua-healing.html |url-status=live }}</ref> SCOAN claimed that Joshua regularly facilitates miracles at the church.<ref name="Zambianeye">{{Cite news | title = TB Joshua now releases videos of his early days miracles | url = http://zambianeye.com/archives/1728 | work = Zambian Eye | date = 23 October 2012 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140810120518/http://zambianeye.com/archives/1728 | archive-date = 10 August 2014 }}</ref> Hundreds of weekly visitors to "prayer lines" at the church were prayed over by Joshua, and the church claimed he cured people of HIV/AIDS,<ref name="NigeriaFilms">{{Cite news | title = Prophet TB Joshua Heals A Man Who Has AIDS | url = http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/25317/64/prophet-tb-joshua-heals-a-man-who-has-aids.html | work = Nigeria Films | date = 2 February 2014 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140729160522/http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/25317/64/prophet-tb-joshua-heals-a-man-who-has-aids.html | archive-date = 29 July 2014 }}</ref><ref name="harare24">{{Cite news | title = People 'healed' of HIV-AIDS after visiting Nigerian Prophet TB Joshua | url = http://harare24.com/index-id-news-zk-12869.html | work = Harare24 | date = 2012 | access-date = 28 July 2014 | archive-date = 2 August 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190802120638/http://harare24.com/index-id-news-zk-12869.html | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref name="theremnant">{{Cite news | title = Prophet T.B.Joshua & The Synagogue | url = http://www.theremnant.com/08-02-01.html | work = The Remnant | date = 1 February 2008 | access-date = 28 July 2014 | archive-date = 2 August 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190802120632/http://www.theremnant.com/08-02-01.html | url-status = dead }}</ref> blindness<ref>{{Cite news | first = Stoyan | last = Zaimov | title = Blind Man Shouts 'I Can See!' at Controversial Pastor TB Joshua's Healing Service | url = https://www.christianpost.com/news/blind-man-shouts-i-can-see-at-controversial-pastor-tb-joshuas-healing-service-180264/ | work = Christian Post | date = 12 April 2017 | access-date = 17 November 2017 | archive-date = 2 August 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190802120633/https://www.christianpost.com/news/blind-man-shouts-i-can-see-at-controversial-pastor-tb-joshuas-healing-service-180264/ | url-status = live }}</ref> and open wounds.<ref>{{Cite news | first = Stoyan | last = Zaimov | title = Jesus shoots protruded anus back to place says TB Joshua Ministries | url = https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/05/photos-jesus-shoots-protruded-anus-back-place-says-tb-joshua-ministries/ | work = Vanguard (Nigeria) | date = 14 May 2017 | access-date = 17 November 2017 | archive-date = 2 August 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190802120631/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/05/photos-jesus-shoots-protruded-anus-back-place-says-tb-joshua-ministries/ | url-status = live }}</ref> SCOAN's claims of "spiritual healing" were the subject of several media reports, including a mention in ''[[Time Magazine]]'',<ref>{{Cite news| first = Jeffrey| last = Kluger| title = Spiritual Healing Around The World| url = http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1878443_1842216,00.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090214175606/http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1878443_1842216,00.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = 14 February 2009 | work = Time Magazine| date = 12 February 2009}}</ref> an [[Associated Press]] interview<ref>{{cite news| first = Carley| last = Petesch| title = Nigeria Preacher: Healer Or Controversial Leader| url = http://bigstory.ap.org/article/nigeria-preacher-healer-or-controversial-leader| agency = Associated Press| date = 19 April 2014| access-date = 1 May 2014| archive-date = 2 May 2014| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140502032709/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/nigeria-preacher-healer-or-controversial-leader| url-status = dead}}</ref> and an article by ''[[Foreign Policy]]'' detailing the tendency of Nigerians to seek spiritual help due to insufficient medical facilities.<ref>{{Cite news| first = Rowan Moore| last = Getty| title = Only The Synagogue Can Save You| url = https://foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/04/25/synagogue_spiritual_hospital_nigeria_disease_healing| work = Foreign Policy| date = 25 April 2014| access-date = 11 March 2017| archive-date = 14 May 2014| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140514220152/http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/04/25/synagogue_spiritual_hospital_nigeria_disease_healing| url-status = dead}}</ref> Wide public debate was stirred within Nigeria when the father of abducted school girl Ese Oruru stated his intention to take his daughter to TB Joshua for prayers following her release.<ref>{{Cite news | first = Conor | last = Gaffey | title = 'Abducted' Nigerian Girl To Be Taken To TB Joshua For Healing, Says Father | url = http://europe.newsweek.com/ese-oruru-tb-joshua-432356?rm=eu | work = Newsweek (Europe) | date = 3 February 2016 | access-date = 25 March 2016 | archive-date = 5 March 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160305212941/http://europe.newsweek.com/ese-oruru-tb-joshua-432356?rm=eu | url-status = live }}</ref> Similarly, a leaked report stating the intention of Nigeria's embattled former petroleum minister [[Diezani Alison-Madueke]] to visit Joshua for spiritual support in her battle against breast cancer elicited controversy.<ref>{{Cite news | first = Ludovica | last = Iaccino | title = Sick Alison-Madueke To Seek TB Joshua's Help: Who Is The Controversial Self-proclaimed Prophet? | url = http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/sick-alison-madueke-seek-tb-joshuas-help-who-controversial-self-proclaimed-prophet-1530285 | work = International Business Times (UK) | date = 24 November 2015 | access-date = 25 March 2016 | archive-date = 18 March 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160318031622/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/sick-alison-madueke-seek-tb-joshuas-help-who-controversial-self-proclaimed-prophet-1530285 | url-status = live }}</ref> === Purported exorcisms === SCOAN is also known for the purported [[Deliverance ministry|deliverance]] during its services of people allegedly possessed by evil spirits. Strange occurrences have been reported during these deliverance prayers, including the case of a South African girl who allegedly cried blood<ref>{{Cite news | title = Girl who 'cries blood' delivered at T.B Joshua's church | url = https://www.lusakatimes.com/2017/01/09/girl-cries-blood-delivered-t-b-joshuas-church/ | work = Lusaka Times (Zambia) | date = 9 January 2017 | access-date = 13 January 2017 | archive-date = 16 January 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170116164115/https://www.lusakatimes.com/2017/01/09/girl-cries-blood-delivered-t-b-joshuas-church/ | url-status = live }}</ref> and a Liberian man who began behaving like a dog.<ref>{{Cite news | first = Soonest | last = Nathaniel | title = Man turns to 'bush dog' at TB Joshua's Synagogue | url = https://gossip.naij.com/778495-unbelievable-man-turns-to-bush-dog-at-tb-joshuas-church-photos-video.html | work = Naij.com (Nigeria) | date = 26 March 2016 | access-date = 13 January 2017 | archive-date = 8 January 2024 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240108155929/https://api.intentiq.com/profiles_engine/ProfilesEngineServlet?at=39&mi=10&dpi=793790479&pt=17&dpn=1&jsver=5.09&iiqidtype=2&iiqpcid=50e946c8-6451-415c-b2d4-f4b0d749f3f4&iiqpciddate=1704729569220&iiqcallcount=0&iiqfailcount=0&iiqnodata=false&iiqlocalstorageenabled=true&tsrnd=896_1704729569221&fbp=3488736105&cttl=43200000&rrtt=0&dud=0&abtg=A&iiqppcc=0&ref=www.legit.ng | url-status = live }}</ref> A young man allegedly delivered from a homosexual demon at SCOAN also attracted widespread media attention,<ref>{{Cite news | title = Man Is Reportedly Delivered From Homosexual Demon At T. B. Joshua's Church In Nigeria | url = http://blackchristiannews.com/2015/06/watch-man-is-delivered-from-homosexual-demon-at-t-b-joshuas-church-in-nigeria/ | work = Black Christian News Network (US) | date = 30 June 2015 | access-date = 25 February 2016 | archive-date = 4 March 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304233425/http://blackchristiannews.com/2015/06/watch-man-is-delivered-from-homosexual-demon-at-t-b-joshuas-church-in-nigeria/ | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | first = Leonardo | last = Blair | title = Video Shows Man Being Delivered From 'Homosexual Demon' That Refused to Release Him at T.B. Joshua's Church | url = http://www.christianpost.com/news/video-shows-man-being-delivered-from-homosexual-demon-that-refused-to-release-him-at-t-b-joshuas-church-141016/ | work = Christian Post | date = 30 June 2015 | access-date = 25 February 2016 | archive-date = 4 March 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304095242/http://www.christianpost.com/news/video-shows-man-being-delivered-from-homosexual-demon-that-refused-to-release-him-at-t-b-joshuas-church-141016/ | url-status = live }}</ref> as did the purported transformation of a Paraguayan [[transvestite]] from being a woman to a being a man.<ref>{{Cite news | title = Prophet TB Joshua Allegedly Transforms Woman To Man | url = http://sundiatapost.com/2017/08/23/prophet-tb-joshua-allegedly-transforms-woman-to-man-photos/ | work = Sundiata Post (Nigeria) | date = 23 August 2017 | access-date = 17 November 2017 | archive-date = 18 November 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171118222715/http://sundiatapost.com/2017/08/23/prophet-tb-joshua-allegedly-transforms-woman-to-man-photos/ | url-status = live }}</ref> After deliverance, those involved often confess the atrocities which the evil spirit allegedly pushed them to engage in, such as prostitution,<ref>{{Cite news | first = Jo | last = Daniel | title = 'How I Slept With Prominent Pastors And Ministers' β International Prostitute | url = http://www.informationng.com/2015/03/how-i-slept-with-prominent-pastors-and-ministers-international-prostitute.html | work = Information Nigeria | date = 19 March 2015 | access-date = 17 November 2017 | archive-date = 18 November 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171118222138/http://www.informationng.com/2015/03/how-i-slept-with-prominent-pastors-and-ministers-international-prostitute.html | url-status = live }}</ref> armed robbery,<ref>{{Cite news | title = A Defiler, Cultist And Robber Confesses At TB Joshua's Church | url = http://www.informationng.com/2017/01/defiler-cultist-robber-confesses-tb-joshuas-church-photos.html | work = Information Nigeria | date = 24 January 2017 | access-date = 17 November 2017 | archive-date = 18 November 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171118223004/http://www.informationng.com/2017/01/defiler-cultist-robber-confesses-tb-joshuas-church-photos.html | url-status = live }}</ref> internet fraud<ref>{{Cite news | first = Seun | last = Opejobi | title = How I manipulated Skype to dupe people β Internet fraudster tells T.B Joshua | url = http://dailypost.ng/2015/06/23/how-i-manipulated-skype-to-dupe-people-internet-fraudster-tells-t-b-joshua/ | work = Daily Post (Nigeria) | date = 23 March 2015 | access-date = 17 November 2017 | archive-date = 18 November 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171118222535/http://dailypost.ng/2015/06/23/how-i-manipulated-skype-to-dupe-people-internet-fraudster-tells-t-b-joshua/ | url-status = live }}</ref> and human trafficking.<ref>{{Cite news | title = I Sold My Life to the Devil β Confessions Human Trafficker With 16 Wives | url = http://www.informationng.com/2017/07/sold-life-devil-confessions-human-trafficker-16-wives.html | work = Information Nigeria | date = 3 July 2017 | access-date = 17 November 2017 | archive-date = 18 November 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171118222331/http://www.informationng.com/2017/07/sold-life-devil-confessions-human-trafficker-16-wives.html | url-status = live }}</ref> Ghanaian human rights lawyer Kwabla Senanu claimed that he was delivered from a spiritual problem.<ref>{{Cite news| first = Daily| last = Graphic| title = T.B. Joshua 'Delivers' Sleeping Lawyer| url = http://politics.myjoyonline.com/pages/news/201304/104056.php| work = My Joy Online (Ghana)| date = 8 April 2013| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130411013949/http://politics.myjoyonline.com/pages/news/201304/104056.php| archive-date = 11 April 2013}}</ref> Similarly, Ghanaian musician Denise Williams said she was delivered from a demon that had pushed her to become a drug addict and to suicidal thoughts.<ref>{{Cite news| first = Daily| last = Graphic| title = I Attempted Suicide, Was Into Prostitution, Drugs β Vodafone Icons Winner| url = http://entertainment.myjoyonline.com/pages/news/201303/102936.php| work = My Joy Online (Ghana)| date = 18 March 2013| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130427111659/http://entertainment.myjoyonline.com/pages/news/201303/102936.php| archive-date = 27 April 2013}}</ref> Veteran Nigerian Nollywood actress [[Camilla Mberekpe]] was also reportedly delivered at SCOAN.<ref>{{Cite news| first = Feyi| last = Afisunlu| title = Pastor T.B. Joshua Delivers Nollywood Actress From Witchcraft| url = http://dailypost.com.ng/2013/04/29/pastor-t-b-joshua-delivers-nollywood-actress-from-witchcraft/| work = Daily Post (Nigeria)| date = 29 April 2013| access-date = 30 April 2013| archive-date = 1 May 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130501233907/http://dailypost.com.ng/2013/04/29/pastor-t-b-joshua-delivers-nollywood-actress-from-witchcraft/| url-status = live}}</ref> Popular [[Nollywood]] actor [[Jim Iyke]] also said he received deliverance at SCOAN,<ref>{{Cite news | first = Ernest Dela | last = Aglanu | title = Jim Iyke Delivered From 'Demonic' Possession At TB Joshua's Church | url = http://entertainment.myjoyonline.com/pages/news/201309/113908.php | work = My Joy Online (Ghana) | date = 29 September 2013 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140209030206/http://entertainment.myjoyonline.com/pages/news/201309/113908.php | archive-date = 9 February 2014 }}</ref> and a video of the event subsequently went viral.<ref>{{Cite news | title = Much Ado About Jim Iyke's Deliverance At TB Joshua's Synagogue | url = http://dailyindependentnig.com/2013/10/much-ado-about-jim-iykes-deliverance-at-tb-joshuas-synagogue/ | work = Daily Independent (Nigeria) | date = 1 October 2013 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140222173049/http://dailyindependentnig.com/2013/10/much-ado-about-jim-iykes-deliverance-at-tb-joshuas-synagogue/ | archive-date = 22 February 2014 }}</ref> A video of Kenyan Olympic athlete [[Mercy Cherono]] receiving deliverance through Joshua's prayers attracted widespread attention in Kenya. She subsequently testified in the company of her husband how the evil spirit had negatively affected her young marriage and career.<ref>{{Cite news| first = Charity | last = Wanja | title = Mercy Cherono seeks divine help from Prophet TB Joshua | url = https://citizentv.co.ke/sports/mercy-cherono-seeks-divine-help-from-prophet-tb-joshua-160620/l | work = Citizen Digital (Kenya)| date = 14 March 2017}}</ref> ===Claimed prophecies=== Joshua was a self-proclaimed prophet who frequently made predictions of future tragedies and events. His predictions were frequently vague or based on hindsight.<ref name=VagueProphecies>{{Cite news |first= James |last= King |title= The Pastor with Powerful Friends Who "Predicts" Tragedies |url= https://archive.today/20160614233129/http://www.vocativ.com/251937/pastor-tb-joshua-predicts-tragedies/ |work= Vocativ |date= 24 November 2015}}</ref> He asserted that the [[Holy Spirit]] was the "source" of dozens of predictions.<ref name=VagueProphecies/> Based on a January 2013 sermon in which Joshua said that followers "should pray against suicide bombers or an attack of any kind that will affect many," SCOAN claimed that Joshua had made a "prophecy" of the [[November 2015 Paris attacks]].<ref name=VagueProphecies/> In January 2009, Joshua predicted a death of "a great star". After [[Death of Michael Jackson|Michael Jackson died later that year]], Joshua claimed that this was what he was referring to.<ref name=VagueProphecies/> He claimed to have forecast the April 2013 [[Boston Marathon bombing]] based on a sermon months earlier in which he said that he was "seeing flame" in America.<ref name=VagueProphecies/> Joshua's church claimed that he prophesied the [[Garissa University College attack]] in Kenya,<ref>{{Cite news |first= Mark |last= Yapching |title= Church Claims TB Joshua Predicted Kenya Terror Attack in 2012 |url= https://www.christiantoday.com/article/church-claims-tb-joshua-predicted-kenya-terror-attack-in-2012/51520.htm |work= Christian Today (UK) |date= 8 April 2015 |access-date= 20 September 2019 |archive-date= 20 September 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190920210155/https://www.christiantoday.com/article/church-claims-tb-joshua-predicted-kenya-terror-attack-in-2012/51520.htm |url-status= live }}</ref> [[2016 Ouagadougou attacks|Ouagadougou hotel siege]] in Burkina Faso,<ref>{{Cite news |title= How TB Joshua Prophesied Burkina Faso Terrorists Siege |url= http://citifmonline.com/2016/01/16/how-tb-joshua-prophesied-burkina-faso-terrorists-siege-video/ |work= Citi FM (Ghana) |date= 16 January 2016 |access-date= 25 March 2016 |archive-date= 19 March 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160319033825/http://citifmonline.com/2016/01/16/how-tb-joshua-prophesied-burkina-faso-terrorists-siege-video/ |url-status= live }}</ref> and the [[2016 Brussels bombings]].<ref>{{Cite news |title= WATCH: TB Joshua Predicted The Brussels Terror Attacks |url= https://www.ghanacelebrities.com/2016/03/23/video-t-b-joshua-claims-he-predicted-the-brussels-terror-attacks/ |work= News 24 (Nigeria)Ghana Celebrities |date= 23 March 2016 |access-date= 20 September 2019 |archive-date= 20 September 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190920210200/https://www.ghanacelebrities.com/2016/03/23/video-t-b-joshua-claims-he-predicted-the-brussels-terror-attacks/ |url-status= live }}</ref> Joshua claimed that [[COVID-19]] would disappear globally on 27 March 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/03/tb-joshua-coronavirus-prophecy-under-the-spotlight/|title=TB Joshua coronavirus prophecy under the spotlight|last=newsday|date=27 March 2020|website=NewsDay Zimbabwe|language=en-US|access-date=27 March 2020|archive-date=27 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327132521/https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/03/tb-joshua-coronavirus-prophecy-under-the-spotlight/|url-status=live}}</ref> Joshua also predicted the outcome of two [[African Cup of Nations]] (AFCON) final matches.<ref>{{Cite news| first = Makweembo| last = Manasa| title = TB Joshua Prophesied Zambia's Historic AFCON Victory| url = http://www.zimeye.org/?p=46696| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120224014016/http://www.zimeye.org/?p=46696| url-status = dead| archive-date = 24 February 2012| work = Zim Eye (Zimbabwe)| date = 14 February 2012}}</ref> and Nigeria<ref>{{Cite news | first = Adebobola | last = Alawode | title = Nations Cup Final β Eagles Will Win Says TB Joshua | url = https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2013/02/08/nations-cup-final-eagles-will-win-says-t-b-joshua/| work = PM News (Nigeria) | date = 8 February 2013 | access-date = 30 April 2013 | archive-date = 24 May 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130524143810/http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2013/02/08/nations-cup-final-eagles-will-win-says-t-b-joshua/ | url-status = live }}</ref> His prophecy about the impending death of an African president was widely reported in African press.<ref>{{Cite news| first = Wanga| last = Gwede| title = Prophet TB Joshua Insists President's Death 'Very Close'| url = http://www.nyasatimes.com/malawi/2012/04/02/prophet-tb-joshua-insists-presidents-death-very-close/| work = Nyasa Times (Malawi)| date = 2 April 2012| access-date = 13 February 2013| archive-date = 14 June 2012| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120614070550/http://www.nyasatimes.com/malawi/2012/04/02/prophet-tb-joshua-insists-presidents-death-very-close/| url-status = live}}</ref> Joshua's followers believe the prophecy concerned the former president of [[Malawi]] [[Bingu wa Mutharika]] who died in 2012, aged 78. SCOAN claimed that Joshua had predicted the disappearance of the [[Malaysia Airlines Flight 370]],<ref>{{Cite news |url= http://www.charismanews.com/world/43136-did-nigerian-pastor-s-prophecy-predict-malaysian-airline-disappearance |title= Did Nigerian Pastor's Prophecy Predict Malaysian Airliner Disappearance? |access-date= 5 January 2016 |archive-date= 17 January 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160117193214/http://www.charismanews.com/world/43136-did-nigerian-pastor-s-prophecy-predict-malaysian-airline-disappearance |url-status= live }}</ref> releasing a YouTube video that amassed over 1 million views.<ref>{{Cite news |first= Simi |last= John |title= Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370: Clip of Nigerian Preacher 'Predicting Disappearance' Goes Viral [VIDEO] |url= http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/malaysia-airlines-flight-mh370-clip-nigerian-preacher-predicting-disappearance-goes-viral-1440107 |work= International Business Times (UK) |date= 13 March 2014 |access-date= 1 May 2014 |archive-date= 2 May 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140502005123/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/malaysia-airlines-flight-mh370-clip-nigerian-preacher-predicting-disappearance-goes-viral-1440107 |url-status= live }}</ref> The church also claimed that Joshua has successfully predicted events in the lives of individuals who attend his church services.<ref>{{Cite news | first = Charles | last = Ayitey | title = Ghana police official consults T.B Joshua over escapee robber | url = https://yen.com.gh/51150-watch-t-b-joshua-helped-ghana-police-arrest-escapee-robber.html | work = Yen (Ghana) | date = 18 May 2016 | access-date = 13 January 2017 | archive-date = 16 January 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170116170656/https://yen.com.gh/51150-watch-t-b-joshua-helped-ghana-police-arrest-escapee-robber.html | url-status = live }}</ref> False rumors spread using Joshua's name are known to have caused widespread panic in communities,<ref>{{Cite news| title = Church Debunks Mystery Lion Prophecy| url = http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/01/church-debunks-%E2%80%98mystery%E2%80%99-lion-prophecy/| work = Vanguard (Nigeria)| date = 27 January 2010| access-date = 13 February 2013| archive-date = 12 October 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131012040035/http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/01/church-debunks-%E2%80%98mystery%E2%80%99-lion-prophecy/| url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news| first = Jabulani| last = Mlotshwa| title = Tales Of Doom Far Too Tall| url = http://mg.co.za/article/2010-03-29-tales-of-doom-far-too-tall| work = Mail & Guardian (South Africa)| date = 29 March 2010| access-date = 13 February 2013| archive-date = 12 October 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131012004919/http://mg.co.za/article/2010-03-29-tales-of-doom-far-too-tall| url-status = live}}</ref> affected sporting events,<ref>{{Cite news| title = CONFIRMED! Prophecy Not True As Tickets Run Out| url = http://tumfweko.com/2012/06/06/confirmed-prophecy-not-true-as-tickets-run-out/| work = Tumfweko (Zambia)| date = 7 June 2012| access-date = 13 February 2013| archive-date = 12 October 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131012012504/http://tumfweko.com/2012/06/06/confirmed-prophecy-not-true-as-tickets-run-out/| url-status = live}}</ref> music concerts<ref>{{Cite news | title = Cassper slams 'report' claiming T.B. Joshua predicted the death of 12 000 people at concert | url = http://www.timeslive.co.za/entertainment/2016/09/19/Cassper-slams-report-claiming-T.B.-Joshua-predicted-the-death-of-12-000-people-at-concert | work = Times Live (South Africa) | date = 19 September 2016 | access-date = 13 January 2017 | archive-date = 16 January 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170116190011/http://www.timeslive.co.za/entertainment/2016/09/19/Cassper-slams-report-claiming-T.B.-Joshua-predicted-the-death-of-12-000-people-at-concert | url-status = live }}</ref> and led people to stop using social networks.<ref>{{Cite news |title= TB Joshua Ministries Debunk Death on 2Go and Facebook Prophecy |url= http://africanspotlight.com/2012/07/tb-joshua-ministries-debunk-death-on-2go-and-facebook-prophecy/ |work= African Spotlight |date= 17 July 2012 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130319235416/http://africanspotlight.com/2012/07/tb-joshua-ministries-debunk-death-on-2go-and-facebook-prophecy/ |archive-date= 19 March 2013 }}</ref> When [[Hamza Al-Mustapha]], the Chief Security Officer of former Nigerian President [[Sani Abacha]], was released after eleven years of imprisonment, his first port of call was to Joshua's church in acknowledgement of a "prophecy" the cleric allegedly gave him when Abacha was still in power.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Al Mustapha Visits TB Joshua Straight From Kirikiri Prison |url= https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/140856-al-mustapha-visits-t-b-joshua-straight-from-kirikiri-prison.html |work= Premium Times (Nigeria) |date= 13 July 2013 |access-date= 17 November 2017 |archive-date= 18 November 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171118222918/https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/140856-al-mustapha-visits-t-b-joshua-straight-from-kirikiri-prison.html |url-status= live }}</ref> Joshua's alleged prophecy in April 2016 that an impending terror attack would befall Ghana made national headlines in the West African nation and led the national police to issue a statement calling for the general public to be calm and vigilant.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Police Urge Calm Over Terror Prophecy |url= https://www.modernghana.com/news/685268/police-urges-calm-over-terror-prophecy-.html |work=[[Daily Graphic]]|date= 11 April 2016 |access-date= 13 January 2017 |archive-date= 16 January 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170116160811/http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Police-urge-calm-over-terror-prophecy-430036 |url-status= live }}</ref> 600 foreigners reportedly cancelled their visits to Ghana in the wake of the statement.<ref>{{Cite news | title = T.B Joshua scares off IMF delegation, 600 foreign visitors to Ghana | url = http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/T-B-Joshua-scares-off-IMF-delegation-600-foreign-visitors-to-Ghana-432691 | work = Ghana Web (Ghana) | date = 21 April 2016 | access-date = 13 January 2017 | archive-date = 16 January 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170116160716/http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/T-B-Joshua-scares-off-IMF-delegation-600-foreign-visitors-to-Ghana-432691 | url-status = live }}</ref> Joshua incorrectly predicted that [[Hillary Clinton]] would win the [[2016 United States presidential election|2016 presidential election in the United States]]. After [[Donald Trump]] won instead, Joshua stated that his "prophecy" referred to [[List of United States presidential elections in which the winner lost the popular vote|Clinton's win in the popular vote]] and any misinterpretation was due to a lack of "spiritual understanding".<ref>{{Cite news |url= http://punchng.com/trump-you-need-spiritual-understanding-to-interpret-my-prophesy-tb-joshua/ |title= Trump: You need spiritual understanding to interpret my prophesy - TB Joshua |last= Abayomi |first= John |date= 13 November 2016 |newspaper= Punch Newspapers |access-date= 12 December 2016 |archive-date= 10 December 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161210161938/http://punchng.com/trump-you-need-spiritual-understanding-to-interpret-my-prophesy-tb-joshua/ |url-status= live }}</ref> A video of Joshua predicting "the military" of an undisclosed Southern African nation embarrassing, killing or capturing "a President or Vice-President ... or the First Lady of that nationβ" surfaced on social media after the statement, which was made and recorded in August 2014, was interpreted as a prophecy of the [[2017 Zimbabwean coup d'Γ©tat]] against [[Robert Mugabe]].<ref>{{Cite news | first = James | last = Thompson | title = Did Nigerian Prophet TB Joshua Prophesy Mugabe's Removal? | url = https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/africa/2017-11-16-did-nigerian-prophet-tb-joshua-prophesy-mugabes-removal/ | work = Mail & Guardian (South Africa) | date = 16 November 2017 | access-date = 16 November 2017 | archive-date = 16 November 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171116155337/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/africa/2017-11-16-did-nigerian-prophet-tb-joshua-prophesy-mugabes-removal/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Summary: Please note that all contributions to Christianpedia may be edited, altered, or removed by other contributors. If you do not want your writing to be edited mercilessly, then do not submit it here. You are also promising us that you wrote this yourself, or copied it from a public domain or similar free resource (see Christianpedia:Copyrights for details). Do not submit copyrighted work without permission! Cancel Editing help (opens in new window) Discuss this page