The Lagos State Government has set up a coroner of inquest for the purpose of investigating the cause of Synagogue’s international guest house which collapsed on Friday, September 12, 2014 in the church premises. In a statement credited to Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, the coroner of inquest, will be headed by Magistrate O. A. Komolafe, who has been charged with the duty of establishing the cause of the collapse. If found guilty, the Government might necessitate a criminal charge against the church.
“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 prosecution depending on the evidence collected.
“The coroner in this case is Magistrate O. A. Komolafe, who also sat as coroner in the Dana Air Crash case. He is expected to announce his sitting or visitation schedules and other details and to hold the inquest at the premises of the High Court of Lagos State, Oba Akinjobi Way, Ikeja.
“In doing this, he (Komolafe) 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.”
