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Prophet T.B Joshua, founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCOAN today filed to appear before the Lagos state coroner.
Explaining, the Prophet's absence, Joshua's counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo,said he was yet to be "personally served" the witness summons issued by the Lagos State Coroner, Mr Oyetade Komolafe.
Ojo informed the court that the bailiffs were unable to effect the proper service on Joshua as required by law. He said though the bailiffs went to the church premises in Ikotun Egbe area of Lagos, the cleric was not around at the time of their visit.
Ojo said, "I do not want an insinuation to be made that the prophet was served and he did not come to court. He has been in touch with many families who lost their loved ones in the incident.
"The bailiffs merely gave the witness summons to one of the evangelists in the church, but the law says they should personally serve the prophet."
Ojo declined the coroner's request that the summons should be served on him on behalf of Joshua.
Following the development, Komolafe agreed to reschedule Joshua's appearance. The coroner also ordered that SCOAN should provide the name and address of the contractor incharge of the collapsed building so that his summons could be served.
"The prophet (Joshua) should assist the court to assist him. As the chief mourner, we don't want to inflict more pain on him. He should not put himself at variance with the law," the coroner said.
Testifying earlier, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), told the court that 131 persons were rescued alive from the site of the collapsed building.
Oke-Osanyintolu said that LASEMA, working in collaboration with Synagogue Church members and other rescue agencies, also recovered 80 bodies from the collapsed building.
He, however, said that the crowd of bystanders and sympathisers prevented the agency from gaining quick access to the scene which could have led to the rescue of more victims. According to him, the rescue team was severally assaulted by some persons within the crowd and prevented from taking pictures.
"I will appeal to the general public in Lagos State that we have a structure in place and whenever there is any form of emergency they should call us.
"They should also give us the enabling environment to perform effectively and efficiently," he said.
The matter was adjourned till November 6 for continuation of hearing.
#Lagos
Explaining, the Prophet's absence, Joshua's counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo,said he was yet to be "personally served" the witness summons issued by the Lagos State Coroner, Mr Oyetade Komolafe.
Ojo informed the court that the bailiffs were unable to effect the proper service on Joshua as required by law. He said though the bailiffs went to the church premises in Ikotun Egbe area of Lagos, the cleric was not around at the time of their visit.
Ojo said, "I do not want an insinuation to be made that the prophet was served and he did not come to court. He has been in touch with many families who lost their loved ones in the incident.
"The bailiffs merely gave the witness summons to one of the evangelists in the church, but the law says they should personally serve the prophet."
Ojo declined the coroner's request that the summons should be served on him on behalf of Joshua.
Following the development, Komolafe agreed to reschedule Joshua's appearance. The coroner also ordered that SCOAN should provide the name and address of the contractor incharge of the collapsed building so that his summons could be served.
"The prophet (Joshua) should assist the court to assist him. As the chief mourner, we don't want to inflict more pain on him. He should not put himself at variance with the law," the coroner said.
Testifying earlier, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), told the court that 131 persons were rescued alive from the site of the collapsed building.
Oke-Osanyintolu said that LASEMA, working in collaboration with Synagogue Church members and other rescue agencies, also recovered 80 bodies from the collapsed building.
He, however, said that the crowd of bystanders and sympathisers prevented the agency from gaining quick access to the scene which could have led to the rescue of more victims. According to him, the rescue team was severally assaulted by some persons within the crowd and prevented from taking pictures.
"I will appeal to the general public in Lagos State that we have a structure in place and whenever there is any form of emergency they should call us.
"They should also give us the enabling environment to perform effectively and efficiently," he said.
The matter was adjourned till November 6 for continuation of hearing.
#Lagos
