A coroner has indicted the church of Nigerian preacher, "Prophet" TB Joshua, for criminal negligence after 116 people were killed when a six-storey building collapsed last September.
Lagos State coroner Oyetade Komolafe, who is also chief magistrate, concluded the 10-month inquest with a call for the Synagogue Church of All Nations to be prosecuted.
The coroner also said two contractors responsible for raising the two-storey building by four storeys at the time of the collapse should be prosecuted for criminal negligence.
He said the collapse was the result of structural failures: "The church must be investigated and prosecuted for not obtaining the relevant approval before embarking on the construction of the building. The church was culpable because of criminal negligence resulting in the death of the victims."
More than 80 of those who died were visiting from South Africa. They were eating lunch on the ground floor when the building fell down on top of them. The victims included a six-year-old child.
At the time, Joshua claimed there had been sabotage, naming Boko Haram and an aircraft that flew overhead as among those responsible. Thirty-two witnesses were summonsed to the inquest and Joshua was the only one who refused to give evidence.
The South African government said they hoped the inquest decision would bring closure to the bereaved families. Spokesman Phumla Williams said in a statement: "The government notes the ruling that the Synagogue Church of all Nations must be investigated and prosecuted for negligence."
In 2011 Joshua, who claims to perform miracle healings, was listed third richest pastor in Nigeria by Forbes, worth about $15 million.
Bally Chuene, speaking for the church, said: "As to our view in respect of the findings, of course, we're not pleased with the findings generally. However, let's receive a copy of this particular report with the proper findings and then we'll be able to respond."
Investigators will now start to construct a criminal case against the church.
