'Why I Never Showed Up In Court' - T.B. Joshua

Founder of Synagogue Church of All Nation (SCOAN),T.B. Joshua, on Wednesday told the coroner's inquest sitting investigating the guest house building collapse that he the was not served any witness summon by the court to warrant him testifying.

It was reported that Prophet Joshua who was one of the witnesses scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, Nov. 5 was absent but disclosed his reason through his counsel, Olalekan Ojo.

Ojo said he had to the inform the coroner presiding over the inquest,  Chief Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe, to prevent a public misconception that prophet Joshua dishonoured the court by not appearing after he had been served.

ThisDay reports that the prophet's counsel informed the court he was aware that Sheriff was in the church to serve the pastor but could not because the pastor was unavoidably absent to be served.

“On Friday, when he was to be served, he was not available. The prophet being the chief mourner was contacting the families of those who lost their lives.

“I was called that the baillif was around. I learnt he merely gave the summons to an evangelist or one of the workers. I advised that whoever was given the summons to should sign to acknowledge its receipt,” Ojo said.

“What I have done is out of abundance of caution and as an officer of the court. I submit that service on counsel in a criminal matter is not provided for in the Administration of Criminal Justice Law. I am not backed by law to accept witness summons meant for another person.”

Ojo explained that since that was not done, it implied that Joshua was not served the summons.

Responding to Ojo, Komolafe said he had no reason not to believe the information given by the counsel.

Komolafe said though he had respect for Joshua as a prophet, yet the man must be obedient to the laws of the land.

He also reiterated the need for the prophet to appear before him, adding that no one is being persecuted or prosecuted.

The coroner also said the court would do the needful to ensure Joshua was served but he insisted that the he must not fail to appear.

“As the chief mourner, I will not want to inflict more pain on him, but he should help himself by appearing before the inquest,” Komolafe said.

Ojo also informed the court that the collapsed building contractor, who was also to appear before the court today had also not been served because nobody knew his address.

But the coroner requested Ojo to help get the necessary information on the contractor to enable him to be served. The lawyer obliged but pleaded for time.