By Amina Hilda
TB Joshua’s popular evangelical channel, Emmanuel TV, has been suspended from DSTV and GoTV, days after a groundbreaking BBC investigation exposed alleged abuses committed by the deceased televangelist.
In a notification, DSTV’s parent company Multichoice announced that Emmanuel TV would be removed from the satellite television platform starting January 17, 2024.
The move follows the BBC’s three-part investigation titled “Disciples: The Cult of TB Joshua,” which brought to light disturbing allegations, including sexual crimes, torture and occultic practices purportedly linked to the late Nigerian Pastor.
The investigative report featured testimonies from former close associates of TB Joshua, known as “disciples,” hailing from various countries, including Nigeria, Britain, Namibia, the US, South Africa, Ghana, and Germany.
The revelations have cast a shadow over the international fame TB Joshua gained for his evangelism, charity work, and purported miracles in the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), which he founded decades back.
Emmanuel TV, launched on March 8, 2006, rapidly rose to prominence, becoming one of Africa’s most-watched Christian television networks.
Initially gaining attention in the late 1990s through the distribution of video cassettes showcasing Joshua’s early ministry and alleged miracles, the channel continued to grow, especially after the founder’s death in June 2021.
Since TB Joshua’s passing, Emmanuel TV has reportedly heavily relied on rebroadcasting old content featuring the late Prophet.
His wife, Evelyn Joshua, however continues to run the ministry.
The suspension from DStv, and purportedly from other pay-TV services, marks a significant blow to the channel’s reach and influence.
The sudden decision by dstv adds to the challenges faced by SCOAN and its affiliated entities in the aftermath of the controversial revelations.
The SCOAN has not reacted to the recent twist of events.
