“Glorified tabloid journalism” — David Hundeyin blasts BBC Africa

Renowned Nigerian investigative journalist David Hundeyin has raised criticism against the British Broadcasting Corporation’s (BBC) Africa Eye division following the imminent release of a three-part investigative documentary uncovering allegations against the late Pastor Temitope Balogun Joshua, founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN).

Scheduled for release on January 8, the documentary delves into reported atrocities and sexual crimes allegedly perpetrated by the prominent clergyman.

It purportedly reveals how certain church members and workers shielded the congregation from the truth, spanning a period of over two decades.

An online snippet of the documentary circulated, featuring testimonies from individuals who claim to be survivors of abuse, rape, and molestation, recounting experiences of exploitation, manipulation, and suppression at the hands of TB Joshua.

However, David Hundeyin took to X to express his disapproval of the documentary, asserting that probing a deceased individual who cannot face justice shouldn’t be deemed a serious pursuit.

He conveyed,

“As I said last year, what BBC Africa does is content farming disguised as investigative reporting. I do not take them seriously.”

David Hundeyin continued, criticizing the focus on a deceased figure beyond the reach of legal accountability, describing it as the pinnacle of BBC Africa’s investigative reporting.

He labeled BBC Africa’s work as glorified tabloid journalism masquerading as essential, hard-hitting stories.