Building collapse: Witness says Synagogue responsible for victims’ relatives

The Lagos State Government had sued SCOAN over the building collapse which killed 116 worshipers of the church on Sept. 12, 2014.

Building collapse: Witness says Synagogue responsible for victims’ relatives

Synagogue By Chinyere Omeire Lagos, Jan. 24, 2019 (NAN) Mr Taiwo Taiwo, who survived the collapse of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOANs) guest building, says the church has been financially responsible for the dependents of the victims of the tragedy.

Taiwo testified on Thursday before an Igbosere High Court in Lagos.

The Lagos State Government had sued SCOAN over the building collapse which killed 116 worshipers of the church on Sept. 12, 2014.

Defendants in the case are two engineers Oladele Ogundeji and Akinbela Fatiregunand their companies Hardrock Construction and Engineering Company and Jandy Trust Ltd.

They are facing trial on 110-count charge of involuntary manslaughter, while the Registered Trustees of SCOAN were charged with building without approval.

The Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions accused the defendants of violating Section 75 of the Urban and Regional Planning Law of Lagos State, 2010, as well as Section 222 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

They were arraigned on April 19, 2016, but they pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution subsequently opened its case, called witnesses and tendered documents to prove its case.

At the resumed hearing on Thursday, Taiwo a defence witness, said that the church had not failed at any time to carry out its obligations to the dependents of all the victims of the building collapse.

Taiwo, a volunteer guest worker in the church, was led in evidence-in-chief by defence counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN).

He told Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo that he was at the guest house before it collapsed.

He testified that he was unconscious and rescued a day after the incident, adding that he felt a burning sensation on his back.

Taiwo added that when he opened his eyes, the environment was dark.

The judge adjourned the case until Friday for continuation of trial.

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