October 3, 2014 – The coroner instituted by the Lagos State Government on collapsed Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) will commence sitting on Monday, October 13, 2014.
Commissioner for Justice Lagos State, Mr. Ade Ipaye who made the revelation said the inquest will take place at the Coroner Court, High Court premises in Ikeja from 9 am.
Recall that a six storey guest house under construction in the church collapsed on Friday, September 15, 2014, killing about 115 people mostly South Africans while 131 people were rescued.
However, the Lagos State Government set up the inquest based on the Lagos State Coroner System Law No.7 of 2007.
In a statement in Lagos, Ipaye called on media organisations, government organisations and private individuals that witnessed the even to come forward and say all they know about it, adding that the Coroner is Magistrate O. A. Komolafe.
He advised all willing to appear to contact the Coroner’s Registrar immediately to schedule their appearance.
He also called on other members of the public who wish to give evidence or tender any material that will assist the court in its findings to indicate their interest by contacting the Registrar at the Coroner’s Court, High Court premises, Ikeja, Lagos State between the hours of 8a.m. to 4p.m. daily.
While instituting the Coroner last week, Ipaye said the Coroner has extensive powers to investigate the cause and circumstances of death and bring his findings and recommendations to the attention of appropriate authorities.
“In doing this, he has all the powers of a magistrate to summon and compel the attendance of witnesses, including medical examiners, and require them to give evidence, produce documents or present other relevant materials”, he said, adding that “the Law requires the verdict of a Coroner as certified in writing to be forwarded to the State Attorney General and such verdict may form the basis of criminal prosecutions depending on the evidence collected”, he said.
