Pentecostal Miracles on Trial? Reviewing Responses to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Africa Eye’s Documentary on TB Joshua

TB Joshua emerged as one of African Pentecostalism’s premier prophetic healer-deliverers during his ministry with the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), based in Nigeria but striving to have a global presence. With a commanding media presence that showcased the defeat of numerous diseases, including those categorised as incurable, as well as operating a highly visible charitable wing, he became one of the leading religious figures in Africa and beyond. However, his activities courted controversy from various actors. He generated opposition from within Christianity and beyond, with some critics charging that his approach was unorthodox. They also maintained that his miracles were a staged spectacle to attract more members and enlarge his circle of influence. Others wondered whether the practice of having people queuing with placards announcing their health challenges was ethical. Some of the critics included individuals who had served in his ministry, before they took the exit option. In early 2024, there was an uproar when the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Africa Eye aired a documentary featuring a number of TB Joshua’s former inner team, some of who alleged, among other issues, that TB Joshua had sexually abused some of them, the miracles were staged and he indulged in occult practices and other misdemeanours. This chapter reviews the responses to the BBC documentary and seeks to interpret how various individuals and groups reacted. It also draws out some of the implications for the study African Pentecostalism/religion in Africa.