DStv has announced that it will stop broadcasting Emmanuel TV, the religious channel founded by the late Nigerian preacher TB Joshua.
The Scathing Documentary
The decision comes after a BBC documentary revealed shocking allegations of sexual abuse, torture and fake miracles at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), the megachurch led by TB Joshua until his death in June 2021.
The documentary, titled Disciples: The Cult of TB Joshua, featured testimonies from former workers of SCOAN, who claimed that they were raped, beaten, and forced to undergo abortions.
The BBC also reported that TB Joshua covered up the 2014 collapse of his guest house, which killed 115 people.
DStv Drops Emmanuel TV After BBC Documentary On TB Joshua
Emmanuel TV broadcasts live services, crusades, prophecies and humanitarian projects of SCOAN to millions of viewers across Africa and beyond. The channel also features testimonies of people who claim to have been healed of various diseases, delivered from demonic oppression and blessed with miracles by TB Joshua.
However, the BBC investigation cast doubt on the authenticity and ethics of these claims and the accountability and transparency of SCOAN’s operations.
In a statement on screen, DStv said that it will stop broadcasting Emmanuel TV from next week:
“Dear viewer, please note that Emmanuel TV will exit on January 17 2024. Thank you for watching.”
DStv has been airing Emmanuel TV since 2006. Emmanuel TV will also stop airing on other pay-TV platforms like StarSat.
TB Joshua’s followers, however, have remained loyal and defiant, accusing the BBC and other critics of being biased and jealous of the late preacher’s popularity and impact. They have also vowed to continue watching Emmanuel TV online and supporting SCOAN’s ministry.
TB Joshua’s successor and widow, Evelyn Joshua, has not commented on removing Emmanuel TV from DStv or the BBC documentary.-iharare
