The Lagos State government has mandated a coroner’s inquest to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 10 individuals who perished in a recent fire at Afriland Towers, Lagos.
This directive follows a formal appeal from renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), who petitioned the Chief Coroner of Lagos State to launch a thorough inquiry into the tragic event’s root causes.
Falana’s request was detailed in a letter dated September 29, 2025, addressed to Justice Mojisola Dada, the Chief Coroner.
The fire originated from smoke emitted in the building’s inverter room, resulting in the loss of 10 lives and injuries to several others.
In the letter, Falana’s legal firm emphasized their commitment to upholding human rights, the rule of law, and public accountability in Nigeria. They noted, “It is reported that on September 16, 2025, a fire at Afriland Tower on Broad Street, Lagos Island, claimed the lives of 10 individuals.”
“Among the deceased were four employees of the Federal Inland Revenue Service and six staff members from United Capital, all trapped inside the six-story building as thick smoke engulfed the premises.”
“Given the preventable nature of this calamity, we earnestly request that you initiate a coroner’s inquest into these deaths and provide recommendations pursuant to Section 15 of the Lagos State Coroner’s Law, 2007, which mandates an inquest when a death occurs under violent, unnatural, or suspicious conditions.”
Following this, the Lagos judiciary confirmed the assignment of the case to Coroner Court 9 within the Igbosere District, located at Court 4, Yaba Magisterial District.
A notice, signed by Senior Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji, announced a preliminary meeting with all involved parties set for Tuesday, October 14, to discuss the inquest’s framework.
The notice read, “Your case has been allocated to Coroner Court 9 of the Igbosere District, sitting at Court 4, Yaba District. A preliminary session with all stakeholders is scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 9 AM in Court 4, Yaba Magisterial District. Kindly assist by providing detailed information on relevant parties who should attend.”
Once convened, the coroner’s inquest will aim to establish the precise cause and conditions of the fatalities and propose measures to avert similar incidents in the future.
