Coroner Inquest-Prophet TB Joshua Lost Out Bid

Justice Lateefa Okunnu of the Lagos State High Court Ikeja, yesterday 6th of March 2015, described an application filed by the Synagogue Church of All Nations and its founder, Prophet Temitope Joshua ''as lacking in merit'', for asking the court to stop the ongoing coroner’s inquest into its collapsed guesthouse.

Justice Lateefa Okunnu dismissed the application which was filed by TB Joshua Counsel and termed it as being premature.

Meanwhile the inquest was set up by the Lagos State government to reveal the possible cause of the September 12, 2014 mishap which claimed over 116 people.

Prophet TB Joshua, through his legal counsel, dragged the coroner court and the coroner, Mr. Oyetade Komolafe, asking for a judicial review of the proceedings before the court.

Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) had asked the court to determine whether the witness summons, served on TB Joshua to appear before the coroner court did not constitute an infringement on his fundamental human  right to fair hearing. Fagbemi had also asked the court to declare that the coroner court exceeded the jurisdiction of a coroner court bygoing beyond its scope.

Mr Akinjide Bakare who is the respondent counsel, had however urged the court to dismiss the application, arguing that the coroner court had extensive powers to investigate the cause and circumstances surrounding the mishap and also report to the appropriate authorities.

Justice Lateefa Okunnu while delivering her ruling held that although the coroner’s court cannot be sued, Komolafe himself can be sued in his capacity as a coroner.