The hand of the law is firm, long and strong enough to grip anyone who defaults it, irrespective of his or her status in the society. Though the law is an invention of man in order to have a near-perfect society where things are done properly, it has also been seen as an impediment to the same man who invented it.
We have heard and seen law-makers who ended up in prison after being found wanting by the law they have made, thus, the saying that law does not respect its maker ensued.
On the 12th of September 2014, tragedy struck at the vicinity of SCOAN, the spiritual worship center belonging to Prophet T.B Joshua. One of the church’s buildings collapsed, leading to the death of about 116 pilgrims, majority of which were foreigners and mostly South African nationals. This almost resulted to diplomatic row between Nigeria and South Africa whose diplomatic relationship has always been suspicious and tensed.
After the collapse, the church came up with theories that exonerate it from the deadly accident. A theory said the building was attacked by terrorists and a video clip showing a jet hovering over the church went viral. But in the clip, there was no attack made by the jet as it only flew over it, so the excuse that the church was attacked was quickly thrown into the bin.
The Lagos state set up a Coroner Inquest to investigate where there was foul play, and the findings of the Coroner largely indict the engineers of the building of criminal negligence. It was discovered that the building was originally designed as a four-storey building but the engineers decided to add extra two building on it, making it six-storey; and while this is being done, the building was housing pilgrims in it.
According to a statement by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs of Lagos State ministry of Justice, Bola Akingbola, Prophet T.B Joshua along with the engineers in charge of the building will be docked in front of Justice Lawal Akapo at a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja today.
Already, the Coroner had indicted Prophet T.B Joshua and the structural engineers in charge of the building of criminal negligence, this might serve as precedence for the trial and the Justice might likely build his judgment upon it.
Prophet T.B Joshua may be popular among his numerous followers who practically worship him largely due to his benevolent attitude and his ability to perform miracles, but the law is blind to personal sentiments. If He is found guilty, he will surely face the music.
Will this cup pass over Prophet T.B Joshua?
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