YouTube has removed the official channel of the late Nigerian televangelist TB Joshua’s online channel, Emmanuel TV, citing violations of its hate speech policies.
The action follows a recent investigation by the BBC and that uncovered widespread sexual abuse and torture within the Synagogue Church of All Nations (Scoan), previously led by TB Joshua, who passed away in 2021.
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The channel played a pivotal role in Joshua’s global rise from a local pastor.
While the church, now overseen by TB Joshua’s wife, Evelyn Joshua, has not commented on the removal, it previously dismissed allegations of wrongdoing as “unfounded.”
Emmanuel TV, with over half a million YouTube followers and hundreds of millions of views, has faced a similar suspension in the past for breaching community guidelines.
As part of the joint investigation, openDemocracy reported at least 50 “abusive” videos on Emmanuel TV’s YouTube channel, including footage of individuals with mental health issues being kept in chains, medical misinformation, and smear campaigns against women who spoke out about TB Joshua’s sexual abuse.
The account was suspended on January 29, and YouTube confirmed the termination, stating it was due to violations of hate speech policies.
TB Joshua gained fame for his claimed healing ministries, showcasing alleged cures for the physically disabled and chronically ill, although former church members have debunked these claims.
MultiChoice, the South African company behind satellite services DStv and GOTv, dropped Emmanuel TV’s satellite channel on January 17.
