Breaking: Court arraigns Synagogue Trustees, Engineers for manslaughter

Henry Ojelu

Trustees of the Synagogue Church of all Nation, SCOAN and the two engineers along with their companies involved in the September 12, 2014 building collapse that killed 116 persons in the Ikotun area of Lagos were finally arraigned today before a Lagos High Court.

Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo ordered their arraignment after dismissing the application filed by two of the defendants seeking to quash the charge.

Since the Lagos State Government filed the 111 charges, the defendants had deployed several tactics to stall their arraignment by filing several applications.

The 111 count charges brought against the defendants borders on criminal negligence, manslaughter and failure to obtain building permit.

As at the time of filing this report, the 111 count charge is still been read to the defendants.

Immediately after Justice Akapo initial ruling, lead counsels representing the defendants made several attempt to convince the court not to proceed with the arraignment.

While Chief Lateef Fagbemi SAN representing SCOAN argued that since the business of the court today was for ruling, it would be improper to proceed with arraignment.

On his part, Chief Akpofure SAN representing Hardrock Construction Company said he just lost his mother and would not be able to proceed.

Justice Akapo however overruled them and ordered that the charges be read to the accused persons.

The defendants may likely be remanded at the prison after their arraignment.