Ep 4. U.N.O.I.

In the fourth episode of Cults and Extreme Belief season 1, viewers are exposed to the reality of the group known as U.N.O.I. The acronym stands for "United Nation of Islam", but the beliefs and practices of this group have very little to do with traditional Islam. Instead, U.N.O.I. is a cult that follows the self-proclaimed prophet Royall Jenkins.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to a woman named Niki, who was raised in the U.N.O.I. community. Niki recounts the isolation and control that was present in her upbringing, with her family being strictly forbidden from associating with anyone outside of the community. As Niki got older, she began to question the beliefs of U.N.O.I. and eventually left the group altogether.

The host of the show, Elizabeth Vargas, then speaks with a former member of U.N.O.I. named Robin, who provides more insight into the inner workings of the group. Robin explains that members of U.N.O.I. are required to give up all of their possessions, including their homes and vehicles, and must live in designated U.N.O.I. communities. Members are also required to follow strict dress codes and are not allowed to watch television or use the internet.

As the episode progresses, viewers are introduced to more former members of U.N.O.I. who speak about the physical and emotional abuse they experienced while in the group. One woman named Rashida recounts being forced to undergo a painful and dangerous medical procedure at the hands of Royall Jenkins himself. Another former member, named Keisha, speaks about the severe punishment she received when she was caught trying to leave the group.

Throughout the episode, Vargas speaks with experts in the field of cults and mind control to provide insight into how groups like U.N.O.I. are able to lure in and control their members. One such expert is Dr. Janja Lalich, a former cult member herself who now works to educate others about the dangers of cults. Lalich explains that many cults, including U.N.O.I., use mind control techniques to manipulate their members and keep them in the fold.

The episode also features interviews with members of the Nation of Islam, a traditional Islamic group that is often confused with U.N.O.I. Members of the Nation of Islam speak about their concerns with the tactics and teachings of U.N.O.I., which they claim are not in line with the true tenets of Islam.

As the episode draws to a close, viewers learn that Royall Jenkins, the leader of U.N.O.I., passed away in 2018. However, the group continues to exist today under the leadership of one of Jenkins' sons. Former members of U.N.O.I. speak about their ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the group and help others who may be caught up in its web.

Overall, the fourth episode of Cults and Extreme Belief season 1 provides a disturbing look at the cult known as U.N.O.I. Viewers are given a glimpse into the group's isolated and controlling world, as well as the physical and emotional abuse that its members are subjected to. The episode serves as a warning about the dangers of cults and the importance of seeking help if one suspects that they or someone they know may be involved in a similar group.