NEWS
At 19, I was Left Homeless On The Streets Of Lagos – TB Joshua’s Daughter
In a shocking revelation, the BBC has uncovered the harrowing story of Ajoke, daughter of the late megachurch leader TB Joshua, who alleges years of torture at the hands of her own father.
The accusations include mass-scale sexual crimes and a disturbing pattern of abuse spanning almost two decades.
“My dad had fear, constant fear. He was very afraid that someone would speak up,” says Ajoke, one of the first whistle-blowers to approach the BBC about the abuse she witnessed at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (Scoan).
Raised by Evelyn, TB Joshua’s widow, Ajoke’s happy childhood took a dark turn at the age of seven when she was labeled an illegitimate child and sent to live in the Scoan compound in Lagos.
There, she faced relentless abuse as part of an elite group of followers known as disciples.
Refusing to conform, Ajoke became a target for severe punishments, including being beaten, publicly humiliated, and subjected to confinement known as “adaba.”
The abuse escalated when she confronted her father about widespread sexual abuse within the church.
At 19, Ajoke was cast out of the church, left homeless on the streets of Lagos.
Despite enduring years of hardship, she persisted in telling her story.
The BBC’s investigation, backed by corroborating testimonies from over 25 former disciples, sheds light on the alleged abuse at Scoan.
In her account she said: “I was made to move to the disciples’ room. I didn’t volunteer to be a disciple. I was made to join.”
Such abuse was never-ending, she says.
“We’re talking about years and years of abuse. Consistent abuse. My existence as a child from another mother undermined everything he [TB Joshua] claimed to stand for.
“I saw female disciples go up to his room. They were going away for hours. I was hearing things: ‘Oh this happened to me. He tried sleeping with me.’ Too many people were saying the same thing,” she says.
“I lost every iota of fear for this man,” Ajoke recalls, describing the day she confronted TB Joshua. The subsequent beating, witnessed by former disciples, marked a turning point for many who began to doubt their faith in the church.
“I couldn’t take it any more. I walked directly into his office on that very day. I shouted at the top of my voice: ‘Why are you doing this? Why are you hurting all these women?’
One day when Ajoke was 19, she says she was escorted to the front gates of the church and left there.
The church security, who were armed, were told she was never to be allowed back in. This was six years before her father died.
“I found myself homeless. I had nobody to reach out to. Nobody would believe me. Nothing prepared me for that life,” she says.
As a young woman with no money, Ajoke did what she could to survive and spent many years on the streets.
Scoan, when contacted by the BBC, did not respond to the allegations but denied previous claims against TB Joshua, stating, “None of the allegations was ever substantiated.”
Now off the streets with the support of former disciples and friends, Ajoke remains determined to seek justice and reveal the truth about her father.
Her dreams include returning to school to complete the education that was abruptly cut short.
“Every time I was beaten up, every time I was humiliated, it just reminded me there was something wrong in the system,” says Ajoke, emphasizing her unwavering commitment to truth and justice.
In a momentous ceremony marking the 90th birthday of Oba Sikiru Adetona, the esteemed Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, President Bola Tinubu bestowed upon him the prestigious Grand Commander of Order of Nigeria (GCON).
Held at the Oba Sikiru Adetona School of Governance, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State on Friday, the event witnessed Vice President Kashim Shettima representing President Tinubu.
Additionally, the President directed the transfer of management of the revered school to the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, in honor of Oba Sikiru Adetona’s enduring legacy.
President Tinubu hailed Awujale as an exceptional royal figure and a stalwart of Nigerian democracy, revered nationwide for his unwavering commitment to national progress and resilience in confronting challenges.
Details later……. .
Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has agreed to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja for his arraignment on corruption charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello’s lead counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed, assured Justice Emeka Nwite of his client’s willingness to face the court on June 13, following the rejection of a request to suspend the trial.
Mohammed emphasized that Bello is not apprehensive about the arraignment itself but rather concerned for his safety in the custody of the EFCC in Abuja.
He cited consistent threats to Bello’s life in the capital city as the reason for his client’s decision to prioritize personal safety by going underground.
The decision to comply with the court trial was influenced by Justice Nwite’s remarks, affirming the EFCC’s commitment to legal protocols.
The Judge assured that the EFCC operates within legal boundaries, noting Bello’s situation isn’t unprecedented.
Emphasizing the presumption of innocence, Justice Nwite highlighted the unproven nature of the allegations.
He advised Bello’s lawyer to urge his client to respect the court’s authority.
In response, Bello’s counsel thanked the Judge and pledged Bello’s cooperation, relying on the EFCC’s assurance of adherence to due process.
He said “All my client needs is just an assurance for the safety of his life which has been under threat for sometimes in Abuja.”
The lawyer requested a four-week grace period to present his client before the court, stating that Bello would appear in court rather than at the EFCC to enter his plea on the charges.
With no objection from the EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo SAN, Justice Nwite scheduled June 13 for Bello’s appearance in court to have his plea recorded.
Isa Dogonyaro, a 46-year-old member of the House of Representatives representing Babura/Garki Federal Constituency in Jigawa State, has passed away.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker reportedly died in Abuja on Friday following a short illness, according to a statement of condolences released by the House of Representatives spokesperson, Akin Rotimi.
The statement read, “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Hon Isa Dogonyaro (Kogunan Ringim), the distinguished member representing the Babura/Garki Federal Constituency of Jigawa State in the 10th Assembly of the House of Representatives. Hon Dogonyaro passed away after a brief illness.
“Hon Isa Dogonyaro was a dedicated and passionate legislator who served his constituents and the nation with utmost commitment.
“He was a pillar in the House, contributing significantly to the development of legislation, particularly in the area of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Control, where he served as the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee.
Elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, Hon Dogonyaro was known for his integrity, diligence, and unwavering dedication to the welfare of the Nigerian people. His presence will be sorely missed in the hallowed chambers of the House of Representatives.”
The statement emphasized the qualities of the late lawmaker, Hon Isa Dogonyaro, not only as a legislator but also as a commendable Nigerian.
“Hon Isa Dogonyaro was a detribalized patriot who was very jovial as much as he was an intellectual. He built strong bonds of friendship with Honourable members from all parts of the country. He is survived by wives and children.
“In this moment of grief, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, constituents, colleagues, and the people of Jigawa State. We pray for strength and comfort for all who mourn his passing.”
The statement added “Details of his funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.”
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