{{short description|Nigerian Christian leader (1963–2021)}} {{protection padlock|small=yes}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2021}} {{Infobox person | name = TB Joshua | image = TB Joshua (cropped).jpg | caption = TB Joshua in 2014. | birth_name = Temitope Balogun Joshua | birth_date = {{birth date|1963|6|12|df=y}} | birth_place = Arigidi Akoko, Nigeria | death_date = {{death date and age|df=y|2021|06|05|1963|6|12}}<ref name="death">{{Cite news |url=https://gazettengr.com/breaking-prophet-t-b-joshua-is-dead/ |location=Abuja, Nigeria|title=Prophet T.B. Joshua is dead at 57 |newspaper=Peoples Gazette|date=6 June 2021 |access-date=6 June 2021 |archive-date=5 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605235601/https://gazettengr.com/breaking-prophet-t-b-joshua-is-dead/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | death_place = Lagos, Nigeria | occupation = {{hlist| Charismatic pastor|televangelist| philanthropist}} | spouse = Evelyn Joshua | children = 3 | website = [http://www.scoan.org/ The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations], [http://www.emmanuel.tv/ Emmanuel TV] | footnotes = }}
'''Temitope Balogun Joshua''' ({{Pronunciation|Temitope_Balogun_Joshua.wav|listen}}; 12 June 1963 – 5 June 2021) was a Nigerian charismatic pastor and televangelist. He was the leader and founder of Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN),<!--see the SCOAN article and its talk page for the church name--><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scoan.org/about/prophet-tb-joshua/ |title=Prophet TB Joshua |publisher=Scoan.org |access-date=16 July 2015 |archive-date=7 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007104518/http://www.scoan.org/about/prophet-tb-joshua/ |url-status=live }}</ref> a Christian megachurch that runs the Emmanuel TV television station from Lagos, Nigeria.
Joshua was widely known across Africa and Latin America and had a large social media presence with over six million fans on Facebook.<ref>{{Cite news | first = Simeon | last = Mpamugoh | title = T.B. Joshua: Boosting Tourism With Religion | url = https://www.sunnewsonline.com/t-b-joshua-boosting-tourism-with-religion/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria| date = 26 December 2017 | access-date = 7 January 2019 | archive-date = 7 January 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190107233416/https://www.sunnewsonline.com/t-b-joshua-boosting-tourism-with-religion/ | url-status = live |newspaper=The Sun}}</ref> His YouTube channel, Emmanuel TV, had over one million subscribers and was the most-viewed Christian ministry on the platform<ref name="Olowookere">{{Cite news|last=Olowookere|first=Dipo|date=27 October 2018|title=TB Joshua's Emmanuel TV Hits 1m YouTube Subscribers, 387m Views|url=https://businesspost.ng/2018/10/27/tb-joshuas-emmanuel-tv-hits-1m-youtube-subscribers-387m-views/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=7 January 2019|archive-date=7 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107233442/https://businesspost.ng/2018/10/27/tb-joshuas-emmanuel-tv-hits-1m-youtube-subscribers-387m-views/|url-status=live|newspaper=Business Post}}</ref> before the channel was suspended by YouTube in 2021 for alleged homophobic hate speech. Joshua was described by media outlets as the "Oprah of Evangelism"<ref>{{Cite news| first = Laura| last = Palet| title = The Millionaire On God's Payroll| url = http://www.ozy.com/provocateurs/the-millionaire-on-gods-payroll/69198| work = OZY| date = 18 September 2016| access-date = 20 October 2016| archive-date = 22 August 2017| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170822013113/http://www.ozy.com/provocateurs/the-millionaire-on-gods-payroll/69198| url-status = dead}}</ref> and "YouTube's most popular pastor".<ref>{{Cite news| first = Tope| last = Oshin| title = TB Joshua Honoured In Peru After Crusade In South America's Largest Stadium| url = http://www.signalng.com/t-b-joshua-honoured-peru-crusade-south-americas-largest-stadium/| work = Signal (Nigeria)| date = 27 September 2016| access-date = 20 October 2016| archive-date = 22 August 2017| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170822061712/http://www.signalng.com/t-b-joshua-honoured-peru-crusade-south-americas-largest-stadium/| url-status = live}}</ref>
Joshua was awarded various accolades, notably receiving the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) by the Nigerian government in 2008<ref name="allafrica1">{{Cite news| first = James| last = Umem| title = Adeboye, TB Joshua Absent At National Awards| url = http://allafrica.com/stories/200812230193.html| work = Vanguard| date = 23 December 2008| access-date = 14 July 2011| archive-date = 29 May 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130529074133/http://allafrica.com/stories/200812230193.html| url-status = live}}</ref> and being voted the Yoruba man of the decade by Pan-Yoruba media outlet Irohin-Odua.<ref>{{Cite news| title = Awo, Soyinka, TB Joshua listed as Yoruba icons| url = http://www.tribune.com.ng/news/news-headlines/item/30003-awo-soyinka-tb-joshua-listed-as-yoruba-icons/30003-awo-soyinka-tb-joshua-listed-as-yoruba-icons| work = Nigerian Tribune| date = 20 February 2015| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150228012907/http://www.tribune.com.ng/news/news-headlines/item/30003-awo-soyinka-tb-joshua-listed-as-yoruba-icons/30003-awo-soyinka-tb-joshua-listed-as-yoruba-icons| archive-date = 28 February 2015}}</ref> He was called one of Africa's 50 most influential people by Pan-African magazines ''The Africa Report'' and ''New African Magazine''.<ref>{{Cite news| title = The 50 Most Influential Africans| url = http://www.theafricareport.com/west-africa/the-50-most-influential-africans-t-b-joshua.html| work = The Africa Report| date = 30 September 2012| access-date = 13 February 2013| archive-date = 31 January 2017| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170131042450/http://www.theafricareport.com/west-africa/the-50-most-influential-africans-t-b-joshua.html| url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news| title = 2012: 100 Most Influential Africans| url = http://www.newafricanmagazine.com/special-reports/other-reports/2012-100-most-influential-africans/religion-traditional| work = New African Magazine| date = 26 December 2012| access-date = 13 February 2013| archive-date = 15 February 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130215112844/http://www.newafricanmagazine.com/special-reports/other-reports/2012-100-most-influential-africans/religion-traditional| url-status = live}}</ref> By 2011, according to ''Forbes'', Joshua was Nigeria's third-richest pastor,<ref>{{cite news|title=Pentecostalism in Africa: Of prophets and profits|url=https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21621885-collapsed-building-highlights-international-reach-nigerias|access-date=3 October 2014|newspaper=The Economist|date=4 October 2014|archive-date=3 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141003211426/http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21621885-collapsed-building-highlights-international-reach-nigerias|url-status=live}}</ref> although the claim was immediately denied in a statement by the church.<ref>{{Cite news| first = Trudi| last = Makhaya| title = Evangelical wealth | url = https://www.enca.com/evangelical-wealth| work = ENCA (South Africa)| date = 17 September 2014| access-date = 7 April 2016| archive-date = 8 June 2021| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210608134123/https://www.enca.com/evangelical-wealth| url-status = dead}}</ref>
Joshua was a prominent public figure throughout his life, known for both his religious outreach and humanitarian works, as well as controversies, including being blacklisted by the government of Cameroon in 2010. He died on 5 June 2021 after one of his evening services in Lagos, Nigeria, just one week prior to his 58th birthday.<ref name ="death"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=6 June 2021 |title=Pastor T.B Joshua don die |url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/media-57373892 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606060653/https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/media-57373892 |archive-date=6 June 2021 |access-date=6 June 2021 |website=BBC News Pidgin}}</ref> A BBC investigation in 2024 reported various abuses by Joshua and the Church.
==Early life and work== Joshua was born on 12 June 1963, as Temitope Balogun Joshua.<ref name=BBCProfile>{{Cite web|date=January 7, 2024|title=Nigeria's disgraced televangelist TB Joshua|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-29234245|publisher=BBC News|language=en-GB|access-date=21 June 2018|archive-date=23 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123221341/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-29234245|url-status=live}}</ref> Joshua's home town was Arigidi Akoko, Ondo State.<ref>[https://saharareporters.com/2021/06/13/bring-prophet-t-b-joshuas-body-home-burial-ondo-youths-tell-family-late-cleric Bring Prophet T. B. Joshua's Body Home For Burial, Ondo Youths Tell Family Of Late Cleric] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108211322/https://saharareporters.com/2021/06/13/bring-prophet-t-b-joshuas-body-home-burial-ondo-youths-tell-family-late-cleric |date=8 January 2024 }}, ''Sahara Reporters'' (June 13, 2021).</ref> He claimed that miracles accompanied his birth,<ref name=Lee2014>{{Cite news | first = J. Lee | last = Grady | title = Nigerians Stand Against Occult Healer Masquerading As Evangelist | url = http://www.charismamag.com/site-archives/134-peopleevents/people-events/569-nigerians-stand-against-occult-healer-masquerading-as-evangelist | work = Charisma Magazine (US) | date = 28 February 2002 | access-date = 8 April 2016 | archive-date = 29 April 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140429202016/http://www.charismamag.com/site-archives/134-peopleevents/people-events/569-nigerians-stand-against-occult-healer-masquerading-as-evangelist | url-status = dead }}</ref> and that he spent 15 months in his mother's womb.<ref name=Kingsley>{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/constance-marten-tb-joshua-mark-gordon-b2279954.html|newspaper=The Independent|title=The televangelist who claimed to heal Aids and counted Premier League stars among his followers|author=Thomas Kingsley|date=February 13, 2023|access-date=8 January 2024|archive-date=8 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108211321/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/constance-marten-tb-joshua-mark-gordon-b2279954.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He claimed that his birth had been "prophesied" a century earlier.<ref name=Kingsley/>
Born into poverty, Joshua's Yoruba family included both Muslims and Christians.<ref name=BBCProfile/><ref name=Campbell>John Campbell, [https://www.cfr.org/blog/tb-joshua-preacher-who-held-outsized-influence-nigeria-and-africa T.B. Joshua: A Preacher Who Held Outsized Influence in Nigeria and Africa] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108210334/https://www.cfr.org/blog/tb-joshua-preacher-who-held-outsized-influence-nigeria-and-africa |date=8 January 2024 }}, Council on Foreign Relations (July 13, 2021).</ref> He grew up with a Muslim uncle after his father, a Christian, died.<ref name=BBCProfile/><ref name=Campbell/> According to SCOAN, the church he founded, he attended the St. Stephen's Anglican Primary School in Arigidi Akoko, Nigeria, between 1971 and 1977. After a year of secondary school education, he left to work on a poultry farm.<ref>[https://dailynigerian.com/joshua-life-times-legacy/ TB Joshua: His life, times, legacy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206033337/https://dailynigerian.com/joshua-life-times-legacy/ |date=6 December 2021 }}, ''Daily Nigerian'' (June 6, 2021).</ref>
In school, he was known as "small pastor" because of his love for the Bible.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-06-07 |title=OBITUARY: The life, times and legacy of Prophet T.B. Joshua |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/features-and-interviews/466276-obituary-the-life-times-and-legacy-of-prophet-t-b-joshua.html |access-date=2022-03-01 |language=en-GB |archive-date=1 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301121709/https://www.premiumtimesng.com/features-and-interviews/466276-obituary-the-life-times-and-legacy-of-prophet-t-b-joshua.html |url-status=live |newspaper=Premium Times}}</ref> Joshua attempted to join the Nigerian military but was thwarted due to a train breakdown that left him stranded en route to the military academy.
thumb|Frontview of the Synagogue Church of all Nations
==Formation of Synagogue Church of All Nations== {{main|Synagogue Church of All Nations}} Joshua wrote that in a heavenly vision he had received divine anointing and a covenant from God to start his ministry.<ref>{{Cite news| first = Conor| last = Gaffey| title = Who Is TB Joshua, Nigeria's Mega Preacher Accused Of Criminal Negligence| url = http://europe.newsweek.com/who-tb-joshua-nigerias-mega-preacher-accused-criminal-negligence-426036| work = Newsweek (Europe)| date = 12 February 2016| access-date = 25 February 2016| archive-date = 17 June 2016| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160617071449/http://europe.newsweek.com/who-tb-joshua-nigerias-mega-preacher-accused-criminal-negligence-426036?| url-status = live}}</ref> Following this, Joshua founded the ministry organisation known as Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN). According to the organisation, more than 15,000 members<ref>{{Cite news | title = Celebrity Priests | url = https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2012/07/07/celebrity-priests | newspaper = The Economist | date = 7 July 2012 | access-date = 18 February 2014 | archive-date = 12 June 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180612135759/https://www.economist.com/node/21558298 | url-status = live }}</ref> attend its weekly Sunday service; visitors from outside Nigeria are accommodated in the accommodation blocks constructed at the church.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vergadering.nu/mijnlagosreis/index-eng.html |title=The Synagogue Church of All Nations in Lagos, Nigeria; Travel report of my visit to the Synagogue Church – March 13–22, 2007 |publisher=Vergadering.nu |access-date=16 July 2015 |archive-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706155910/http://www.vergadering.nu/mijnlagosreis/index-eng.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://bennier.tripod.com/nigeria/report.htm |title=Report on TB Joshua, the man in the Synagogue |publisher=Bennier.tripod.com |access-date=16 July 2015 |archive-date=20 April 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010420231408/http://bennier.tripod.com/nigeria/report.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://revivalinpower.com/archive/thekenyacrusade.html |title=revivalinpower |publisher=revivalinpower |access-date=16 July 2015 |archive-date=11 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311082224/http://www.revivalinpower.com/archive/thekenyacrusade.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
''The Guardian'' reported that SCOAN attracts more weekly attendees than the combined number of visitors to Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London.<ref>{{Cite news | first = Monica | last = Mark | title = Lagos Businesses Cash In On Lure Of Super Pastor TB Joshua | url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/01/lagos-businesses-superpastor-joshua | work = The Guardian (UK) | date = 1 September 2013 | access-date = 16 December 2016 | archive-date = 2 August 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190802120635/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/01/lagos-businesses-superpastor-joshua | url-status = live }}</ref> SCOAN's popular services have also resulted in an enormous boost for local businesses and hoteliers.<ref>{{Cite news | first = Nonye | last = Ben-Nwankwo | title = TB Joshua's Neighbours Convert Homes To Hotels | url = http://www.punchng.com/feature/super-saturday/tb-joshuas-neighbours-convert-homes-to-hotels/ | date = 17 August 2013 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140222172909/http://www.punchng.com/feature/super-saturday/tb-joshuas-neighbours-convert-homes-to-hotels/ | archive-date = 22 February 2014 |newspaper=The Punch}}</ref>
Although Joshua's videos were distributed worldwide, gaining a large social media presence,<ref name=NorthcottSpooner>Charlie Northcott & Helen Spooner, [https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-67861976 TB Joshua: 'We thought it was heaven but then terrible things happened'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108180954/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-67861976 |date=8 January 2024 }}, BBC News (January 7, 2024).</ref> the church has only one branch, in Ghana.<ref>{{Cite news| first = Comfort| last = Umoren| title = 3 Jailed For Robbing T.B. Joshua's Church In Ghana| url = http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/3-jailed-for-robbing-tb-joshua-s-church-in-ghana/78374/| date = 21 September 2010| access-date = 14 July 2011| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120316214815/http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/3-jailed-for-robbing-tb-joshua-s-church-in-ghana/78374/| archive-date = 16 March 2012| url-status = dead|newspaper=This Day}}</ref> Joshua said in 2014 that it was "not yet time" for him to have branches worldwide.<ref>{{Cite news | title = Why I Don't Have Churches Everywhere | author = T.B. Joshua | url = http://www.citifmonline.com/2014/08/27/why-i-dont-have-churches-everywhere-t-b-joshua/ | work = Citi FM Online (Ghana) | date = 27 August 2014 | access-date = 29 December 2014 | archive-date = 29 December 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141229170031/http://www.citifmonline.com/2014/08/27/why-i-dont-have-churches-everywhere-t-b-joshua/ | url-status = live }}</ref>
SCOAN has been described as "Nigeria's biggest tourist attraction"<ref>{{Cite news | title = Synagogue Impasse: Hoteliers, Others Groan | url = http://newtelegraphonline.com/synagogue-impasse-hoteliers-others-groan/ | work = New Telegraph (Nigeria) | date = 5 March 2016 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160421211508/http://newtelegraphonline.com/synagogue-impasse-hoteliers-others-groan/ | archive-date = 21 April 2016 }}</ref> and "the most visited destination by religious tourists in West Africa,"<ref>{{Cite news| title = TB Joshua Ranked Among Most Famous Prophets In History| url = http://africantraveltimes.com/2016/03/22/tb-joshua-ranked-among-most-famous-prophets-in-history/| work = African Travel Times| date = 22 March 2016| access-date = 7 April 2016| archive-date = 15 April 2016| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160415141537/http://africantraveltimes.com/2016/03/22/tb-joshua-ranked-among-most-famous-prophets-in-history/| url-status = dead}}</ref> with thousands of foreigners flocking to attend the church's weekly services.<ref>{{Cite news | first = Sola | last = Ojewusi | title = TB Joshua And The Synagogue Tragedy, Another Perspective | url = http://www.authorityngr.com/2016/03/TB-Joshua-and-the-Synagogue-tragedy-another-perspective/ |location=Abuja, Nigeria| date = 26 March 2016 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160817065442/http://www.authorityngr.com/2016/03/TB-Joshua-and-the-Synagogue-tragedy-another-perspective/ | archive-date = 17 August 2016 |newspaper=The Authority}}</ref> Figures released by the Nigerian Immigration Service indicated that six out of every ten foreigners entering Nigeria are bound for SCOAN,<ref>{{Cite news| title = Foreigners Flock To Nigeria For TB Joshua's Birthday| url = http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/27590/64/boko-who-foreigners-flock-to-nigeria-for-tb-joshua.html| work = Nigeria Films| date = 12 June 2014| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160416200310/http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/27590/64/boko-who-foreigners-flock-to-nigeria-for-tb-joshua.html| archive-date = 16 April 2016}}</ref> a fact discussed in Zimbabwean parliament when addressing the economic potentials of religious tourism.<ref>{{Cite news | title = Churches Urged To Promote Religious Tourism | url = http://www.sundaynews.co.zw/churches-urged-to-promote-religious-tourism/ | work = Sunday News (Zimbabwe) | date = 15 November 2015 | access-date = 7 April 2016 | archive-date = 18 April 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160418005617/http://www.sundaynews.co.zw/churches-urged-to-promote-religious-tourism/ | url-status = live }}</ref>
''This Day'' newspaper reported that "about two million local and inbound tourists" visit SCOAN annually.<ref>{{Cite news | title = Nigeria: Tourism Expert Calls for Restoration of Tourism Ministry | url = http://allafrica.com/stories/201603040690.html | work = This Day (Nigeria) | date = 4 March 2016 | access-date = 7 April 2016 | archive-date = 15 April 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160415205841/http://allafrica.com/stories/201603040690.html | url-status = live }}</ref> The church's popularity has led to an increase in flight routes to Lagos from several African countries in 2013.<ref>{{Cite news | title = Air Zimbabwe Targets TB Joshua Pilgrims | url = http://www.newzimbabwe.com/news-10001-Air+Zim+targets+TB+Joshua+pilgrims/news.aspx | work = New Zimbabwe | date = 14 January 2013 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160421015305/http://www.newzimbabwe.com/news-10001-Air+Zim+targets+TB+Joshua+pilgrims/news.aspx | archive-date = 21 April 2016 }}</ref> Joshua's contribution to Nigeria's religious tourism was highlighted<ref>{{Cite news | first = Unathi | last = Henama | title = TB Joshua emigrating to Israel: Lessons for South Africa on religious tourism | url = https://www.thecable.ng/tb-joshua-emigrating-israel-lessons-south-africa-religious-tourism | date = 9 May 2017 | access-date = 20 October 2017 | archive-date = 2 August 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190802120633/https://www.thecable.ng/tb-joshua-emigrating-israel-lessons-south-africa-religious-tourism | url-status = live |newspaper=TheCable}}</ref> when the cleric hinted at the possibility of relocating his ministry to Israel during a Sunday service.<ref>{{Cite news | first = Chris | last = Irekamba | title = Synagogue church going to Israel: What residents, neighbours say | url = https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/synagogue-church-going-to-israel-what-residents-neighbours-say/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria| date = 11 June 2017 | access-date = 20 October 2017 | archive-date = 2 August 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190802120630/https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/synagogue-church-going-to-israel-what-residents-neighbours-say/ | url-status = live |newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref> Several prominent Nigerians<ref name=":0">{{Cite news | first = Wale | last = Odunsi | title = TB Joshua's Relocation To Israel: Cardinal Okojie, Balarabe Musa React | url = http://dailypost.ng/2017/06/09/tb-joshuas-relocation-israel-cardinal-okojie-balarabe-musa-react/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria| date = 9 June 2017 | access-date = 20 October 2017 | archive-date = 2 August 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190802120657/https://dailypost.ng/2017/06/09/tb-joshuas-relocation-israel-cardinal-okojie-balarabe-musa-react/ | url-status = live |newspaper=Daily Post}}</ref> opposed the relocation, urging Joshua to remain in the country, and citing the economic setbacks Nigeria would likely experience as a result of his potential relocation.<ref>{{Cite news | title = Beg Him Or Nigeria'll Lose Billions If TB Joshua relocates – Experts Tell FG, Ambode | url = http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/05/beg-nigeriall-lose-billions-tb-joshua-relocates-experts-tell-fg-ambode/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria| date = 14 May 2017 | access-date = 20 October 2017 | archive-date = 2 August 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190802120641/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/05/beg-nigeriall-lose-billions-tb-joshua-relocates-experts-tell-fg-ambode/ | url-status = live |newspaper=Vanguard}}</ref>
===Foreign visits===
Joshua travelled to Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Paraguay to hold what he called "crusades." He also visited Israel to receive a humanitarian award from ZAKA and to visit biblical sites.<ref>{{Cite news | title = Prophet T.B Joshua of SCOAN Honoured in Faraway Israel | url = http://www.tori.ng/news/38358/prophet-tb-joshua-of-scoan-honoured-in-faraway-isr.html | work = Tori (Nigeria) | date = 22 August 2016 | access-date = 13 January 2017 | archive-date = 16 January 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170116155809/http://www.tori.ng/news/38358/prophet-tb-joshua-of-scoan-honoured-in-faraway-isr.html | url-status = live }}</ref> Joshua's "Miracle Crusade" in Cali, Colombia in July 2014 was allegedly attended by 100,000 people and held in the Estadio Olímpico Pascual Guerrero.<ref>{{Cite news| first = Clement| last = Ejiofor| title = TB Joshua Gathers 100,000 In Colombia| url = http://www.naij.com/69896.html| work = Naij (Nigeria)| date = 18 July 2014| access-date = 27 February 2015| archive-date = 27 February 2015| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150227164628/http://www.naij.com/69896.html| url-status = live}}</ref> He travelled to the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico, and was allegedly visited by 200,000 people over two days in May 2015.<ref>{{Cite news | first = Nadia | last = Aguilar | title = Cruzada de Milagros con T.B. Joshua en la Ciudad de México | url = http://tecnoiglesia.com/2015/05/cruzada-de-milagros-con-el-profeta-t-b-joshua-en-el-estadio-azteca-de-la-ciudad-de-mexico/ | work = Tecnoiglesia (Mexico) | date = 21 May 2015 | access-date = 3 October 2016 | archive-date = 3 October 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161003105540/http://tecnoiglesia.com/2015/05/cruzada-de-milagros-con-el-profeta-t-b-joshua-en-el-estadio-azteca-de-la-ciudad-de-mexico/ | url-status = live }}</ref>
Joshua's two-day visit to Estadio Monumental "U" in Lima, Peru, attracted nearly 100,000 in September 2016, making headlines in local Peruvian media.<ref>{{Cite news | title = El polémico pastor TB Joshua llegó al estadio Monumental | url = http://panamericana.pe/alsextodia/locales/215238-polemico-pastor-tb-joshua-llego-estadio-monumental | work = Pan Americana (Peru) | date = 19 October 2016 | access-date = 20 October 2016 | archive-date = 4 January 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170104063138/http://panamericana.pe/alsextodia/locales/215238-polemico-pastor-tb-joshua-llego-estadio-monumental | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | title = Las manos milagrosas del nigeriano TB Joshua | url = http://www.atv.pe/actualidad/las-manos-milagrosas-del-nigeriano-tb-joshua-317090 | work = ATV (Peru) | date = 10 October 2016 | access-date = 20 October 2016 | archive-date = 20 October 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161020172941/http://www.atv.pe/actualidad/las-manos-milagrosas-del-nigeriano-tb-joshua-317090 | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | title = Trabajador de limpieza consigue pulmones nuevos | url = http://pressperu.com/trabajador-de-limpieza-consigue-pulmones-nuevos/ | work = Press Peru | date = 7 October 2016 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161020110554/http://pressperu.com/trabajador-de-limpieza-consigue-pulmones-nuevos/ | archive-date = 20 October 2016 }}</ref> In August 2017, Joshua held a Crusade in Paraguay at Estadio Defensores del Chaco. His visit caused a media storm when the Paraguayan parliament approved that the cleric be awarded the National Order of Merit, the country's highest honour, which is usually reserved only for Paraguayan citizens.<ref>{{Cite news | title = "Ilustre" profeta Joshua se presenta en Paraguay | url = http://www.lanacion.com.py/pais_edicion_impresa/2017/08/11/ilustre-profeta-joshua-se-presenta-en-paraguay/ | work = La Nacion (Paraguay) | date = 11 August 2017 | access-date = 17 November 2017 | archive-date = 18 November 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171118221950/http://www.lanacion.com.py/pais_edicion_impresa/2017/08/11/ilustre-profeta-joshua-se-presenta-en-paraguay/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Testimonies from those who alleged they were healed through Joshua's prayers at the crusade made headlines in local media.<ref>{{Cite news | title = Sentí cómo salía el espíritu de mi cuerpo | url = http://www.cronica.com.py/2017/08/13/senti-salia-espiritu-cuerpo/ | work = Cronica (Paraguay) | date = 13 August 2017 | access-date = 17 November 2017 | archive-date = 18 November 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171118222613/http://www.cronica.com.py/2017/08/13/senti-salia-espiritu-cuerpo/ | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news | title = No curó sida, cáncer, ni a gays: surgen 3 testimonios 'raros' del 'profeta' Joshua | url = http://www.hoy.com.py/nacionales/no-cur-sida-cncer-ni-a-gays-surgen-3-testimonios-raros-del-profeta-joshua | work = HOY (Paraguay) | date = 23 August 2017 | access-date = 17 November 2017 | archive-date = 18 November 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171118222342/http://www.hoy.com.py/nacionales/no-cur-sida-cncer-ni-a-gays-surgen-3-testimonios-raros-del-profeta-joshua | url-status = live }}</ref>
In June 2019, Joshua held a two-day event at the Amphitheatre of Mount Precipice in Nazareth, Israel, the historic hometown of Jesus Christ.<ref>{{Cite news| first = Ihechukwu| last = Njoku| title = TB Joshua hosts historic meeting in Nazareth, Jesus' hometown| url = https://www.keepthefaith.co.uk/2019/06/29/tb-joshua-hosts-historic-meeting-in-nazareth-jesus-hometown/| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190703105736/https://www.keepthefaith.co.uk/2019/06/29/tb-joshua-hosts-historic-meeting-in-nazareth-jesus-hometown/| url-status = dead| archive-date = 3 July 2019| work = Keep The Faith (UK)| date = 29 June 2019}}</ref> The event was the subject of intense media scrutiny.<ref>{{Cite news| first = Ammar| last = Awad| title = Worshippers Seek Nigerian Televangelist's Blessing In Nazareth| url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-religion-evangelicals/worshippers-seek-nigerian-televangelists-blessing-in-nazareth-idUSKCN1TP23T| work = Reuters| date = 24 June 2019| access-date = 12 August 2020| archive-date = 8 November 2020| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201108002113/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-religion-evangelicals/worshippers-seek-nigerian-televangelists-blessing-in-nazareth-idUSKCN1TP23T| url-status = live}}</ref> Local religious officials told their followers to boycott the event and several small protests were held calling for the event's cancellation.<ref>{{Cite news| first = Jack| last = Khoury| title = Nigerian Televangelist T.B. Joshua Is Coming to Nazareth, and Locals Are Furious| url = https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2019-06-24/ty-article/.premium/nigerian-televangelist-t-b-joshua-is-coming-to-nazareth-and-locals-are-furious/0000017f-e14c-d7b2-a77f-e34f00d20000| work = Haaretz (Israel)| date = 24 June 2019| access-date = 12 August 2020| archive-date = 12 August 2020| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200812064239/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-nigerian-televangelist-t-b-joshua-is-coming-to-nazareth-and-locals-are-furious-1.7394912| url-status = live}}</ref> An estimated 15,000 people travelled from over 50 nations to attend the event, significantly boosting local tourism.<ref>{{Cite news| first = Noa| last = Shpigel| title = Famed Exorcist's Festival Draws Thousands From Around the World to Nazareth| url = https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2019-06-24/ty-article/.premium/famed-nigerian-t-b-joshua-exorcists-festival-draws-thousands-from-around-the-world/0000017f-db1b-df9c-a17f-ff1b61d50000| work = Haaretz (Israel)| date = 24 June 2019| access-date = 12 August 2020| archive-date = 29 July 2020| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200729164700/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-famed-nigerian-t-b-joshua-exorcist-s-festival-draws-thousands-from-around-the-world-1.7404430| url-status = live}}</ref>
===Humanitarian work=== There is a rehabilitation programme for militants from Nigeria's volatile Niger Delta region, repentant armed robbers<ref>{{Cite news | first = Oge | last = Okonkwo | title = 'He provides for 1 million people daily' – Journalist writes exposé on cleric | url = http://pulse.ng/religion/t-b-joshua-he-provides-for-1million-people-daily-journalist-writes-expose-on-cleric-id3398648.html | work = Pulse (Nigeria) | date = 10 January 2015 | access-date = 13 January 2017 | archive-date = 16 January 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170116162002/http://pulse.ng/religion/t-b-joshua-he-provides-for-1million-people-daily-journalist-writes-expose-on-cleric-id3398648.html | url-status = live }}</ref> and sex workers who came to the church for 'deliverance'.<ref>{{Cite news | first = Nkem | last = Ikeke | title = How I Slept With Pastors – Prostitute Confesses | url = https://www.naij.com/405755-how-i-slept-with-pastors-prostitute-confesses.html | work = Naij.com (Nigeria) | date = 15 March 2015 | access-date = 13 January 2017 | archive-date = 16 January 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170116155939/https://www.naij.com/405755-how-i-slept-with-pastors-prostitute-confesses.html | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | first = Ihechukwu | last = Njoku | title = SHOCKING!!! HIV/AIDS POSITIVE PROSTITUTE CONFESSES TO T.B. JOSHUA HOW SHE INFECTED HUNDREDS OF MEN | url = https://www.360nobs.com/2014/05/shocking-hivaids-positive-prostitute-confesses-to-t-b-joshua-how-she-infected-hundreds-of-men/ | work = 360 Nobs (Nigeria) | date = 14 May 2014 | access-date = 13 January 2017 | archive-date = 16 January 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170116155232/https://www.360nobs.com/2014/05/shocking-hivaids-positive-prostitute-confesses-to-t-b-joshua-how-she-infected-hundreds-of-men/ | url-status = live }}</ref>
In 2009, Joshua provided two electrical transformers to a local community after theirs was burned beyond repair.<ref>{{Cite news | first = Amita | last = Jones | title = TB Joshua Donates Transformer To Neighbouring Community | url = https://www.modernghana.com/news/256468/1/tb-joshua-donates-transformer-to-neighbouring-comm.html | work = Modern Ghana | date = 24 December 2009 | access-date = 13 January 2017 | archive-date = 2 April 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190402181952/https://www.modernghana.com/news/256468/1/tb-joshua-donates-transformer-to-neighbouring-comm.html | url-status = live }}</ref> He also donated over N26m to help restore electricity and put an end to over two years of power outage in four councils in the Akoko area of Ondo State in 2017.<ref>{{Cite news | first = Oluwaseun | last = Akingboye | title = Akoko youths commend T.B. Joshua over N26m donation for power restoration | url = https://guardian.ng/news/akoko-youths-commend-t-b-joshua-over-n26m-donation-for-power-restoration/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria| date = 7 October 2017 | access-date = 9 November 2017 | archive-date = 10 November 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171110061538/https://guardian.ng/news/akoko-youths-commend-t-b-joshua-over-n26m-donation-for-power-restoration/ | url-status = live |newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref> The cleric made donations to police forces in Nigeria,<ref>{{Cite news | first = Abiodun | last = Badejo | title = Synagogue Pastor donates patrol vehicles to Ondo Police | url = http://dailypost.ng/2015/02/18/synagogue-pastor-donates-patrol-vehicles-ondo-police/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria| date = 18 February 2015 | access-date = 13 January 2017 | archive-date = 16 January 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170116173752/http://dailypost.ng/2015/02/18/synagogue-pastor-donates-patrol-vehicles-ondo-police/ | url-status = live |newspaper=Daily Post}}</ref> and Ghana.<ref>{{Cite news | first = Kwame | last = Botchway | title = TB's Joshua's SCOAN gives Ghana Police trucks, motorcycles | url = http://citifmonline.com/2015/10/17/tbs-joshuas-scoan-gives-ghana-police-trucks-motorcycles-photos/ | work = Citi FM (Ghana) | date = 17 October 2015 | access-date = 13 January 2017 | archive-date = 11 March 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160311014232/http://citifmonline.com/2015/10/17/tbs-joshuas-scoan-gives-ghana-police-trucks-motorcycles-photos/ | url-status = live }}</ref>
SCOAN has a 'scholarship program' which caters for the academic needs of students in their thousands, ranging from primary to tertiary education.<ref>{{Cite news| first = Timi| last = Frank| title = A Burning Passion For God And Mankind| url = http://leadership.ng/columns/523068/burning-passion-god-mankind| date = 3 May 2016| access-date = 13 January 2017| archive-date = 16 January 2017| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170116162955/http://leadership.ng/columns/523068/burning-passion-god-mankind| url-status = live|newspaper=Leadership}}</ref> In 2012, Joshua sponsored a Nigerian student doing a PhD in Oxford University, with Nigerian media reporting she received £100,000 from the church.<ref>{{Cite news| first = Adeola| last = Adeyemo| title = Prophet T.B Joshua Sponsors Nigerian Student Yinka Oduwole With N26 Million For A PhD At Oxford University| url = http://www.bellanaija.com/2012/11/19/prophet-t-b-joshua-sponsors-nigerian-student-yinka-oduwole-with-n26-million-for-a-phd-at-oxford-university/| work = Bella Naija| date = 19 November 2012| access-date = 13 February 2013| archive-date = 21 January 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130121233202/http://www.bellanaija.com/2012/11/19/prophet-t-b-joshua-sponsors-nigerian-student-yinka-oduwole-with-n26-million-for-a-phd-at-oxford-university/| url-status = live}}</ref> He also gave a scholarship to a young Motswana to study at Harvard Law School in America.<ref>{{Cite news| title = Motswana Woman Gets TB Joshua Bursary| url = http://www.gabzfm.com/motswana-woman-gets-tb-joshua-bursary| work = Gabz FM (Botswana)| date = 12 May 2014| access-date = 13 January 2017| archive-date = 16 January 2017| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170116184750/http://www.gabzfm.com/motswana-woman-gets-tb-joshua-bursary| url-status = live}}</ref>
After the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Joshua sent a team of medical personnel and humanitarian workers to the affected area, establishing a field hospital called 'Clinique Emmanuel'.<ref>{{Cite news | title = Emmanuel TV Haiti Earthquake Relief | url = http://www.modernghana.com/news/293685/1/emmanuel-tv-haiti-earthquake-relief.html | work = Read Us | date = 27 August 2010 | access-date = 14 July 2011 | archive-date = 12 October 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121012083930/http://www.modernghana.com/news/293685/1/emmanuel-tv-haiti-earthquake-relief.html | url-status = live }}</ref>
The 'Emmanuel TV Team' assisted victims of the earthquake that struck the nation of Ecuador in April 2016, providing over $500,000 worth of humanitarian aid.<ref>{{Cite news | title = TB Joshua Thanked By Ecuador For Donations | url = http://www.news24.com.ng/National/News/tb-joshua-thanked-by-ecuador-for-donations-20160720 | work = News 24 | date = 20 July 2016 | access-date = 17 September 2016 | archive-date = 21 July 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160721122212/http://www.news24.com.ng/National/News/tb-joshua-thanked-by-ecuador-for-donations-20160720 | url-status = live }}</ref>
Joshua funded the building and running of a school in Lahore, Pakistan named 'Emmanuel School'. He also rebuilt a school in a rural area destroyed by the 2016 Ecuador earthquake, travelling to Ecuador for the opening of the school in June 2017.<ref>{{Cite news | title = Prophet TB Joshua as you have NEVER seen him! | url = http://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-religion-byo-113019.html | work = Bulawayo 24 (Zimbabwe) | format = video | date = 28 June 2017 | access-date = 17 November 2017 | archive-date = 17 November 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171117070800/http://bulawayo24.com/index-id-News-sc-Religion-byo-113019.html | url-status = live }}</ref>
Several groups of Nigerians attempting illegal travel to Europe through Libya have been supported at SCOAN following their deportation from the North African nation with only the clothes on their backs.<ref>{{Cite news | first = Iheoma | last = Hendy | title = TB Joshua Splashes Cash On Nigerian Deportees From Libya | url = http://buzznigeria.com/tb-joshua-assists-nigerian-deportees-from-libya/ | work = Buzz Nigeria | date = 18 June 2016 | access-date = 13 January 2017 | archive-date = 16 January 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170116162947/http://buzznigeria.com/tb-joshua-assists-nigerian-deportees-from-libya/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Stories of the harsh conditions they encountered and Joshua's subsequent assistance made headlines in several local newspapers.<ref>{{Cite news | title = We drank water from a well with a corpse inside, deported Nigerian migrants recount ordeal | url = http://thenationonlineng.net/drank-water-well-corpse-inside-deported-nigerian-migrants-recount-ordeal/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria| date = 22 October 2016 | access-date = 13 January 2017 | archive-date = 16 January 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170116175839/http://thenationonlineng.net/drank-water-well-corpse-inside-deported-nigerian-migrants-recount-ordeal/ | url-status = live |newspaper=The Nation}}</ref>
In 2009, Joshua started a football club, My People FC, as part of efforts to help the youth. Two members of the team played for Nigeria's Golden Eaglets in the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Sani Emmanuel, who apparently lived in SCOAN for several years,<ref>{{Cite news | first = Uchenna | last = Ajah | title = TB Joshua's Altar Boy is Eaglets' Joker | url = http://allafrica.com/stories/200911091116.html | work = All Africa | date = 9 November 2009 | access-date = 14 July 2011 | archive-date = 4 June 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110604141522/http://allafrica.com/stories/200911091116.html | url-status = live }}</ref> was Nigeria's top-scorer and the tournament's MVP. Emmanuel and his colleague Ogenyi Onazi signed professional contracts with SS Lazio, Onazi a key player for the Nigerian Senior Team, the Super Eagles.<ref>{{Cite news| title = TB Joshua Said I'll Score Against Venezuela| url = http://www.punchng.com/sports/tb-joshua-said-ill-score-against-venezuela/| date = 18 November 2012| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121205075421/http://www.punchng.com/sports/tb-joshua-said-ill-score-against-venezuela/| archive-date = 5 December 2012|newspaper=The Punch}}</ref>
WBO International Light Middleweight boxing champion King Davidson Emenogu said that Joshua has financially supported him throughout his career and purportedly prophesied that he would be a world boxing champion.<ref>{{Cite news | first = Adam | last = Leitch | title = Nigerian Prophet Predicted King's World Title Win | url = http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/boxing/9797718.Nigerian_prophet_predicted_King_s_world_title_win/ | work = Daily Echo (UK) | date = 4 July 2012 | access-date = 13 February 2013 | archive-date = 31 January 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130131052158/http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/boxing/9797718.Nigerian_prophet_predicted_King_s_world_title_win/ | url-status = live }}</ref>
Joshua was involved in the meeting of the family of the late president of Liberia, Samuel Doe, with the former warlord Prince Yormie Johnson who was responsible for Doe's death. During this meeting the family publicly forgave Johnson<ref>{{Cite news| title = Son Forgives Man Who Butchered President Doe | url = http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=86&art_id=qw97489038074B252 | work = IOL| date = 22 November 2000}}</ref> who said it was through Joshua's prayers that he stopped drinking alcohol and turned to Christianity.<ref>{{Cite news | first = Simon | last = Akam | title = The Comeback | url = https://newrepublic.com/article/95493/prince-johnson-liberia | work = New Republic (Liberia) | date = 28 November 2011 | access-date = 13 January 2017 | archive-date = 7 September 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220907144328/https://newrepublic.com/article/95493/prince-johnson-liberia | url-status = live }}</ref>
The cleric also played a prominent role in reconciling broken homes and restoring families torn apart by false accusations.<ref>{{Cite news | title = T.B Joshua exposes demons behind Ghana's trokosi tradition | url = https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/religion/T-B-Joshua-exposes-demons-behind-Ghana-s-trokosi-tradition-504746 | work = Ghana Web (Ghana) | date = 28 January 2017 | access-date = 20 October 2017 | archive-date = 21 October 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171021003713/https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/religion/T-B-Joshua-exposes-demons-behind-Ghana-s-trokosi-tradition-504746 | url-status = live }}</ref>
In recognition of his humanitarian activities, he was awarded a National Honour by the Nigerian government in 2008<ref name="allafrica1" /> as well as receiving a letter of appreciation from the United Nations.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Makaka |first=Sam |date=30 January 2014 |title=Prophet TB Joshua Gets UN Recognition |work=Nyasa Times (Malawi) |url=http://www.nyasatimes.com/2014/01/30/prophet-tb-joshua-gets-un-recognitio%E2%80%8Bn/ |access-date=18 February 2014 |archive-date=23 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223020552/http://www.nyasatimes.com/2014/01/30/prophet-tb-joshua-gets-un-recognitio%E2%80%8Bn/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He was further honoured as an Ambassador of Peace by the Arewa Youth Forum, a predominantly Muslim organisation,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ido |first=Akan |date=4 August 2013 |title=TB Joshua Receives Peace Award From Arewa Youth Forum |work=Y Naija |url=http://www.ynaija.com/t-b-joshua-receives-peace-award-from-arewa-youth-forum/ |access-date=18 February 2014 |archive-date=23 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223021347/http://www.ynaija.com/t-b-joshua-receives-peace-award-from-arewa-youth-forum/ |url-status=live }}</ref> as well as being recognised with an 'award of excellence' by ZAKA, Israel's primary rescue and recovery voluntary service.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Anyanwu |first=Tai |date=4 November 2016 |title=Israel Honours T B Joshua For Humanitarian Exploits |work=New Telegraph (Nigeria) |url=https://newtelegraphonline.com/news/sunday-magazine/faith/israel-honours-t-b-joshua-humanitarian-exploits/ |access-date=13 January 2017 |archive-date=16 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116191242/https://newtelegraphonline.com/news/sunday-magazine/faith/israel-honours-t-b-joshua-humanitarian-exploits/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Influence in African politics=== A BBC Africa journalist once suggested that Joshua was "the most powerful man in Africa" due to his alleged influence in the African political sphere.<ref>{{Cite news | first = Ihechukwu | last = Njoku | title = Will TB Joshua Become Liberia's Kingmaker? | url = https://www.thecable.ng/will-tb-joshua-become-liberias-kingmaker | date = 22 October 2017 | access-date = 9 November 2017 | archive-date = 10 November 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171110114602/https://www.thecable.ng/will-tb-joshua-become-liberias-kingmaker | url-status = live |newspaper=TheCable}}</ref>
Days after John Atta Mills became President of Ghana in 2009, he visited Joshua's church for a thanksgiving service, and claimed that Joshua had "prophesied" his ascension to power and specific details relating to his narrow victory over Nana Akufo-Addo. Joshua was a regular visitor to Ghana during Mills' early presidency and allegedly organised "prayer warriors" praying in Osu Castle.<ref>{{Cite news | first = Halifax | last = Ansah-Addo | title = Joshua Man Behind Mills | url = https://www.modernghana.com/news/203609/joshua-man-behind-mills.html | work = Modern Ghana | date = 23 February 2009 | access-date = 9 November 2017 | archive-date = 10 November 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171110061803/https://www.modernghana.com/news/203609/joshua-man-behind-mills.html | url-status = live }}</ref>
Joshua's supposed "prophecy" concerning the death of Malawian President Bingu Mutharika garnered media attention and was subsequently the subject of a Malawian government inquiry; Mutharika's successor, Joyce Banda, was also a devotee of the cleric.<ref>{{Cite news | first = Chidi | last = Anselm Odinkalu | title = African tales in presidential ministrations, shamans and charlatans | url = https://www.thecable.ng/african-tales-presidential-ministrations-shamans-charlatans | date = 1 March 2017 | access-date = 9 November 2017 | archive-date = 10 November 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171110061825/https://www.thecable.ng/african-tales-presidential-ministrations-shamans-charlatans | url-status = live |newspaper=TheCable}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | first = Percy | last = Zvomuya | title = TB Joshua: The Preacher Who Knows Too Much | url = https://mg.co.za/article/2012-08-23-tb-joshua-the-preacher-who-knows-too-much | work = Mail & Guardian (South Africa) | date = 23 August 2012 | access-date = 9 November 2017 | archive-date = 31 October 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181031005353/https://mg.co.za/article/2012-08-23-tb-joshua-the-preacher-who-knows-too-much | url-status = live }}</ref> Banda claimed Joshua's prayers healed her husband after he suffered a stroke and regularly visited Joshua in Nigeria while she was Head of State.<ref>{{Cite news | first = Ruth | last = Maclean | title = TB Joshua Predicted Mutharika's Death | url = http://nehandaradio.com/2012/04/11/how-tb-joshua-predicted-mutharikas-death/ | work = Nehanda Radio (Zimbabwe) | date = 11 April 2012 | access-date = 16 November 2017 | archive-date = 17 November 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171117002724/http://nehandaradio.com/2012/04/11/how-tb-joshua-predicted-mutharikas-death/ | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | title = Joyce Banda On A Private Visit To Nigeria To TB Joshua | url = http://www.nyasatimes.com/joyce-banda-on-a-private-visit-to-nigeria-to-tb-joshua/ | work = Nyasa Times (Malawi) | date = 26 December 2013 | access-date = 16 November 2017 | archive-date = 17 November 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171117002307/http://www.nyasatimes.com/joyce-banda-on-a-private-visit-to-nigeria-to-tb-joshua/ | url-status = live }}</ref>
Joshua played the role of a peacemaker in the aftermath of the Tanzanian elections in 2015, visiting the country to meet and hold reconciliatory talks with President John Magufuli – a member of his church – and opposition leader Edward Lowassa. Commentators acknowledged his visit significantly reduced tensions in the country after the elections which the opposition party alleged were fraught with irregularities.<ref>{{Cite news | title = TB Joshua's Uncanny Influence In Tanzania | url = http://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-religion-byo-76922.html | work = Bulawayo 24 (Zimbabwe) | date = 11 March 2015 | access-date = 9 November 2017 | archive-date = 10 November 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171110111837/http://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-religion-byo-76922.html | url-status = live }}</ref>
Joshua was a key influence in former Liberian warlord Senator Prince Yormie Johnson's decision to endorse the candidacy of George Weah for president in the 2017 Liberian elections. His endorsement came days after the two were spotted publicly together in SCOAN, a visit that caused a media storm in Liberia.<ref>{{Cite news | title = Ex-Liberian Warlord Endorses Weah After Joint Visit To Nigerian Pastor | url = http://www.africanews.com/2017/10/27/ex-liberian-warlord-endorses-weah-after-joint-visit-to-nigerian-pastor/ | work = Africa News | date = 27 October 2017 | access-date = 9 November 2017 | archive-date = 10 November 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171110061636/http://www.africanews.com/2017/10/27/ex-liberian-warlord-endorses-weah-after-joint-visit-to-nigerian-pastor/ | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | title = Liberian newspapers zoom on Prince Johnson, Weah in Nigeria for prayers, others | url = https://www.journalducameroun.com/en/liberian-newspapers-zoom-on-prince-johnson-weah-in-nigeria-for-prayers-others/ | work = Journal Du Cameroun | date = 23 October 2017 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171110124433/https://www.journalducameroun.com/en/liberian-newspapers-zoom-on-prince-johnson-weah-in-nigeria-for-prayers-others/ | archive-date = 10 November 2017 }}</ref> Weah's main opponent and former vice president, Joseph Boakai, also allegedly requested to visit Joshua in light of the elections.<ref>{{Cite news | title = Weah, Boakai Seek Nigerian Prophet T.B. Joshua's Blessing For Liberian Presidency | url = https://frontpageafricaonline.com/index.php/politics/5841-prince-johnson-george-weah-attend-same-service-in-nigeria | work = Front Page Africa (Liberia) | date = 22 October 2017 | access-date = 9 November 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171226170235/http://frontpageafricaonline.com/index.php/politics/5841-prince-johnson-george-weah-attend-same-service-in-nigeria | archive-date = 26 December 2017 | url-status = dead }}</ref>
In November 2019, Joshua visited South Sudan, where he met President Salva Kiir Mayardit.<ref>{{Cite news | title = Nigerian Prophet Urges S. Sudan Leaders To Put Aside Differences | url = https://sudantribune.com/spip.php?article68502 | work = Sudan Tribune | date = 12 November 2019 | access-date = 12 August 2020 | archive-date = 5 August 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200805230550/https://sudantribune.com/spip.php?article68502 | url-status = live }}</ref> He led Mayardit and his cabinet in prayers for peace at the nation's Presidential Palace in Juba and called on leaders to overcome their differences in a message broadcast on South Sudan's state television.<ref>{{Cite news | title = Prophet TB Joshua Calls On Leaders To Overcome Differences | url = https://radiotamazuj.org/en/news/article/prophet-tb-joshua-calls-on-leaders-to-overcome-differences | work = Radio Tamazuj | date = 12 November 2019 | access-date = 12 August 2020 | archive-date = 12 November 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191112142340/https://radiotamazuj.org/en/news/article/prophet-tb-joshua-calls-on-leaders-to-overcome-differences | url-status = live }}</ref> Some South Sudanese believed that Joshua had given a "prophecy" of the subsequent unity government formed in February 2020 between Mayardit and rival leader Riek Machar.<ref>{{Cite news | title = South Sudan Forms Unity Government As TB Joshua's Prophecy Comes To Pass | url = https://www.modernghana.com/news/985923/south-sudan-forms-unity-governmentas-tb-joshuas.html | work = Modern Ghana | date = 22 February 2020 | access-date = 12 August 2020 | archive-date = 23 February 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200223200741/https://www.modernghana.com/news/985923/south-sudan-forms-unity-governmentas-tb-joshuas.html | url-status = live }}</ref>
===Media=== {{main|Emmanuel TV}} Emmanuel TV, the SCOAN television station, was founded on 8 March 2006 by Joshua.<ref>{{Cite news | first = Helen | last = Baker | title = Emmanuel TV: Celebrating A Decade of Blessings | url = http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2016/03/08/emmanuel-tv-celebrating-a-decade-of-blessings-by-helen-baker/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria| date = 2016-08-03 | access-date = 8 June 2021 | archive-date = 2 August 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190802120641/https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2016/03/08/emmanuel-tv-celebrating-a-decade-of-blessings-by-helen-baker/ | url-status = live |newspaper=P.M. News}}</ref>
In April 2021, YouTube suspended Emmanuel TV's channel as a result of alleged hate speech by Joshua in videos on the channel. At the time the channel was suspended, it had over 1,800,000 subscribers and 400 million views. The allegations of hate speech referred to claims made by Joshua in at least seven videos that homosexuality is the result of possession by demonic spirits and that homosexuality can and should be cured via spiritual deliverance.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-04-16|title=TB Joshua: YouTube blocks Nigerian preacher over gay cure claim|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56771246|access-date=2021-06-07|archive-date=7 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607090301/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56771246|url-status=live}}</ref> At the time of the channel's suspension, it was the most-viewed Christian ministry on the platform.<ref name="Olowookere"/><ref name="Bruce">{{Cite news | first = James | last = Bruce | title = Skewed Stats | url = http://www.worldmag.com/2015/04/skewed_stats | work = World Magazine (US) | date = 15 April 2015 | access-date = 10 March 2016 | archive-date = 11 March 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160311030156/http://www.worldmag.com/2015/04/skewed_stats | url-status = live }}</ref>
In January 2024, days after Joshua's sexual abuse scandal was revealed, Emmanuel TV's satellite channel was removed from DStv by MultiChoice, a South African media company as well as from YouTube for a second time.<ref>Charlie Northcott & Yemisi Adegoke, [https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68142127 TB Joshua exposé: YouTube deletes Emmanuel TV channel of disgraced megachurch leader], bbc.com, UK, January 31, 2024</ref>
===Wealth=== Although Joshua criticized pastors who demanded money and politicians who bought-votes,<ref>{{Cite news | title = T.B. Joshua lambasts money-hungry pastors and politicians | url = https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2015-01-20-tb-joshua-lambasts-money-hungry-pastors-and-politicians/ | work = Sowetan (South Africa) | date = 20 January 2015 | access-date = 17 November 2017 | archive-date = 18 November 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171118222719/https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2015-01-20-tb-joshua-lambasts-money-hungry-pastors-and-politicians/ | url-status = live }}</ref> he became one of Africa's wealthiest pastors.<ref name=NorthcottSpooner/> Former church insiders estimate that he received tens of millions of dollars from fundraising, pilgrims, sales of videos, and appearances at stadiums full of followers.<ref name=NorthcottSpooner/>
In 2015, Sahara Reporters reported that Joshua has secretly purchased a Gulfstream G550 jet through a Bank of Utah trustee.<ref>{{Cite news|title = Synagogue Pastor TB Joshua Secretly Purchases $60 Million Gulfstream G550 Private Jet|url = https://saharareporters.com/2015/09/14/synagogue-pastor-tb-joshua-secretly-purchases-60-million-gulfstream-g550-private-jet|location=New York City, United States|newspaper= Sahara Reporters|date = 14 September 2015|access-date = 5 January 2016|archive-date = 11 January 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160111003913/http://saharareporters.com/2015/09/14/synagogue-pastor-tb-joshua-secretly-purchases-60-million-gulfstream-g550-private-jet|url-status = live}}</ref> A Joshua aide denied the report.<ref>{{Cite news| title = Rumors Of T.B Joshua's Purchase Of $60m Private Jet Baseless, False – Aide| url = https://www.informationng.com/2015/09/rumors-of-t-b-joshuas-purchase-of-60m-private-jet-baseless-false-aide.html| date = 28 October 2015| access-date = 29 September 2015| archive-date = 8 January 2024| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240108155918/https://www.informationng.com/2015/09/rumors-of-t-b-joshuas-purchase-of-60m-private-jet-baseless-false-aide.html| url-status = live}}</ref>
Nigeria's ''Premium Times'' newspaper stated that Joshua formed a company called Chillon Consultancy Limited, incorporated in the British Virgin Islands in June 2006, based on reports stemming from the Panama Papers leak. Joshua denied offshore activity, posting on Facebook, "I am not a businessman and have no business whatsoever. What God has given me is more than enough."<ref>{{Cite news | first = Conor | last = Gaffey | title = Panama Papers: Nigerian Preacher TB Joshua Denies Offshore Activity | url = https://www.newsweek.com/panama-papers-nigerian-preacher-tb-joshua-denies-offshore-activity-447276 | work = Newsweek | date = 13 April 2016 | access-date = 9 November 2017 | archive-date = 10 November 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171110114721/http://www.newsweek.com/panama-papers-nigerian-preacher-tb-joshua-denies-offshore-activity-447276 | url-status = live }}</ref>
==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, 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) criticized him (although a CAN delegation attended his funeral).<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 2009, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria publicly disassociated itself from TB Joshua's church, calling on him to "repent and convert to Christianity." Ayo Oritsejafor, leader of the organization, criticized Joshua for serving as pastor without study in the field.<ref>AFP, [https://www.voaafrique.com/a/l-influence-des-%C3%A9vang%C3%A9listes-critiqu%C3%A9e-apr%C3%A8s-les-accusations-contre-le-pasteur-tb-joshua/7465078.html L'influence des évangélistes critiquée après les accusations contre le pasteur TB Joshua au Nigeria], voaafrique.com, USA, January 31, 2024</ref>
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">{{Cite news |last=Ateba |first=Simon |date=30 September 2010 |title=Cameroon Blacklists TB Joshua |url=http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2010/09/30/cameroon-blacklists-t-b-joshua/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304104250/http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2010/09/30/cameroon-blacklists-t-b-joshua/ |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=26 February 2016 |newspaper=P.M. News}}</ref> 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">{{Cite news |date=18 May 2012 |title=Zimbabwe Churches Say TB Joshua Not Welcome |url=http://www.zambiawatchdog.com/zimbabwe-churches-say-tb-joshua-not-welcome/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304130413/http://www.zambiawatchdog.com/zimbabwe-churches-say-tb-joshua-not-welcome/ |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=26 February 2016 |work=Zambia Watchdog (Zambia)}}</ref>
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 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| 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|newspaper=The Nigerian Observer}}</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 | 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 |newspaper=Premium Times}}</ref><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> The coroner's inquest concluded that the cause was criminal negligence, but Joshua blamed a 'mysterious' airplane that he claimed had fired an "infrasonic weapon" at the building.<ref>{{cite web | last1=McNaught | first1=Matthew | title=From Lagos to Winchester: How a divisive Nigerian pastor built a global following | work=The Guardian | date=9 September 2021 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2021/sep/09/tb-joshua-scoan-church-divisive-nigerian-pastor-global-following }}</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">{{cite news |last1=Northcott |first1=Charlie |last2=Spooner |first2=Helen |date=8 January 2024 |title=TB Joshua: Megachurch leader raped and tortured worshippers, BBC finds |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-67749215 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108003228/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-67749215 |archive-date=8 January 2024 |access-date=8 January 2024 |work=BBC News}}</ref> 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 abortions.<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 abortions 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 attempts.<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 news|url=https://blueprint.ng/the-bbc-public-interest-or-propaganda/|location=Abuja, Nigeria|title=The BBC: Public interest or propaganda?|last=Idris|first=Tijani|date=28 September 2023|access-date=28 January 2024|newspaper=Blueprint}}</ref> and "dirty lies",<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dailypost.ng/2024/01/09/theyre-dirty-lies-fani-kayode-fumes-over-bbcs-heavy-allegations-against-tb-joshua/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|title='They're dirty lies' - Fani-Kayode fumes over BBC's heavy allegations against TB Joshua|last=Sunday|first=Ochogwu|date=9 January 2024|access-date=29 January 2024|newspaper=Daily Post}}</ref> and other sources questioning why the BBC chose to publish the report long after Joshua's death, when 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|access-date=28 January 2024|publisher=Cameroon News Agency}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dailypost.ng/2024/01/09/tb-joshua-lies-have-become-truth-iginla-reacts-to-bbc-report/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|title=TB Joshua: Lies have become truth - Iginla reacts to BBC report|date=9 January 2024|newspaper=Daily Post}}</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 news|url=https://leadership.ng/synagogue-church-tackles-bbc-over-documentary/|title=Synagogue Church Tackles BBC Over Documentary|date=10 January 2024 |access-date=28 January 2024|newspaper=Leadership}}</ref>
===Purported healings and miracles=== 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/ |location=Lagos, 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 |newspaper=Vanguard}}</ref><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><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><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>
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 helicopter 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' |url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/10/how-t-b-joshuas-morning-water-saved-us-from-bristow-helicopter-crash/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|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 |newspaper=Vanguard}}</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 – Survivors |url=http://dailypost.ng/2014/04/21/t-b-joshuas-anointing-water-saved-us-nyanya-bomb-blast-survivors/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|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 |newspaper=Daily Post}}</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 |url=http://dailypost.ng/2015/11/03/tb-joshuas-anointing-water-reportedly-curing-ebola-in-sierra-leone/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|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 |newspaper=Daily Post}}</ref> Lagos State Health officials visited Joshua and asked that he use his influence 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>
In 2024, 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" />
=== Purported exorcisms === SCOAN is also known for the purported 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' – 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 – 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/ |location=Lagos, 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 |newspaper=Daily Post}}</ref> and human trafficking.<ref>{{Cite news | title = I Sold My Life to the Devil – 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 – 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 = usurped | 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 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171118222315/https://citizentv.co.ke/sports/mercy-cherono-seeks-divine-help-from-prophet-tb-joshua-160620/l | url-status = dead | archive-date = 18 November 2017 | 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= http://www.vocativ.com/251937/pastor-tb-joshua-predicts-tragedies/ |work= Vocativ |date= 24 November 2015 |access-date= 18 February 2024 |archive-date= 14 June 2016 |archive-url= https://archive.today/20160614233129/http://www.vocativ.com/251937/pastor-tb-joshua-predicts-tragedies/ |url-status= bot: unknown }}</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 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> 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 – Eagles Will Win Says TB Joshua | url = https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2013/02/08/nations-cup-final-eagles-will-win-says-t-b-joshua/|location=Lagos, 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 |newspaper=P.M. News}}</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/|location=Lagos, 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|newspaper=Vanguard}}</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 |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 |newspaper=Premium Times}}</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 presidential election in the United States. After Donald Trump won instead, Joshua stated that his "prophecy" referred to 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= The Punch|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 nation‚" 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'état 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>
==Successor== In September 2021, following her husband's death, SCOAN named Evelyn Joshua as the Senior Pastor and leader of the Church.<ref name="BBCProfile" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-59295624|title=TB Joshua's widow and the battle for his Nigerian church|last=Orjinmo|first=Nduka|date=22 November 2021|access-date=29 January 2024|publisher=BBC}}</ref> She is also the President of Emmanuel TV.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Evelyn Joshua |url=https://www.scoan.org/evelyn-joshua/ |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations - SCOAN - Prophet T.B. Joshua |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Death== T. B. Joshua died on 5 June 2021 "shortly after conducting a live broadcast", according to a BBC report.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-57374250|title=TB Joshua: Influential Nigeria preacher dies at 57|date=6 June 2021|access-date=29 January 2024|publisher=BBC}}</ref> According to his wife Evelyn Joshua, he showed "no sign of illness" prior to his death.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thecable.ng/i-found-him-unconscious-tb-joshuas-wife-speaks-on-husbands-death/amp|title='I found him unconscious' - TB Joshua's wife speaks on husband's death|last=Are|first=Jesupemi|date=7 June 2021|access-date=29 January 2024|newspaper=TheCable}}</ref>
The news of his death led to reactions in Nigerian media, with the death being described as "huge blow to Nigeria",<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gwg.ng/2021/06/06/tb-joshuas-death-huge-blow-to-nigeria-church-members/|title='TB Joshua's Death Huge Blow To Nigeria' - Church Members|date=6 June 2021|access-date=30 January 2024|publisher=Green White Green}}</ref> or "big loss" to Akoko residents,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehopenewspaper.com/tb-joshuas-death-big-loss-to-us-akoko-residents/|location=Akure, Nigeria|title=TB Joshua's death, big loss to us -Akoko residents|last=Amed|first=Jimoh|date=9 June 2021|access-date=30 January 2024|newspaper=The Hope}}</ref> and "blow to religious tourism" especially in Nigeria.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://thenationonlineng.net/tb-joshuas-death-blow-to-religious-tourism/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|title='TB Joshua's death, blow to religious tourism'|date=9 June 2021|access-date=30 January 2024|newspaper=The Nation}}</ref> Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu described T. B. Joshua's death as "a great global knock" in a tribute.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dailypost.ng/2021/06/06/tb-joshuas-death-great-loss-to-africa-entire-world-akeredolu/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|title=TB Joshua's death, great loss to Africa, entire world - Akeredolu|last=Babajide|first=Abdul|date=6 June 2021|access-date=30 January 2024|newspaper=Daily Post}}</ref>
==Legacy== Joshua's influence is often regarded as extending beyond his role as a pastor.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Celebrating a Great Leader: The Enduring Legacy of Prophet TB Joshua |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2024/06/05/celebrating-a-great-leader-the-enduring-legacy-of-prophet-tb-joshua/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605042126/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2024/06/05/celebrating-a-great-leader-the-enduring-legacy-of-prophet-tb-joshua/ |archive-date=2024-06-05 |newspaper=This Day}}</ref> Since his passing, his church, SCOAN, has annually commemorated his birthday in June, continuing his legacy through charitable initiatives.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Crowd hits Ikotun for T.B Joshua (Photos) |url=https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2022/06/05/crowd-hits-ikotun-for-t-b-joshua/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2024-12-28 |language=en-US|newspaper=P.M. News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ogunlade |first=Gboyega Alaka, Adeola |date=2023-06-13 |title=Iginla, TeeMac, others eulogise TB Joshua at posthumous birthday |url=https://thenationonlineng.net/iginla-teemac-others-eulogise-tb-joshua-at-posthumous-birthday/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2024-12-28 |newspaper=The Nation|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |agency=News Agency of Nigeria |date=2024-06-12 |title=Synagogue Church members celebrate TB Joshua's posthumous birthday |url=https://gazettengr.com/synagogue-church-members-celebrate-tb-joshuas-posthumous-birthday/ |location=Abuja, Nigeria|access-date=2024-12-28 |newspaper=Peoples Gazette|language=en-US}}</ref>
==Bibliography== {{Wikiquote}} * ''The Mirror'' {{ISBN|0-620-37453-5}} * ''The Step Between You And The Cure'' {{ISBN|0-620-33247-6}} * ''Daily Time With God'' {{ISBN|0-620-37575-2}} * ''What The Future Holds'' {{ISBN|978-0-620-42843-9}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Joshua, T. B.}} Category:1963 births Category:2021 deaths Category:Yoruba Christian clergy Category:People from Ondo State Category:Prophets Category:Nigerian faith healers Category:Nigerian television evangelists Category:Nigerian Christian clergy Category:Hoaxers Category:Exorcists Category:Religious tourism Category:Anti-LGBTQ Pentecostal activists Category:Child sexual abuse scandals in Christianity Category:Sexual abuse scandals in Charismatic and Pentecostal Christianity Category:Christian miracle workers Category:Prosperity theologians Category:Founders of Christian new religious movements