The Lagos State Judiciary has appointed a coroner to conduct a formal inquest into the deaths of 10 persons who lost their lives in the recent fire outbreak at Afriland Tower, Broad Street, Lagos Island.
The decision followed a petition by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), urging the Chief Coroner of Lagos State to initiate an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
The inferno, which occurred on September 16, 2025, reportedly started in the building’s inverter room before spreading rapidly, producing thick smoke that trapped several occupants.
Viral videos on social media showed some victims attempting to leap from the multi-storey structure, while others were rescued with ladders by residents and passersby.
In a letter dated September 29, 2025, titled “Request for Inquest into the Death of Ten (10) Persons at Afriland Tower,” Falana & Falana’s Chambers, through lawyer Taiwo Olawanle, called on the coroner to invoke Section 15 of the Lagos State Coroner’s Law of 2007, which mandates an inquest in cases of violent, unnatural, or suspicious deaths.
The petition read in part:
“It was alleged that 10 people died in the September 16, 2025, fire at Afriland Tower. L
The victims comprised four officials of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and six United Capital staff members who were trapped after thick smoke engulfed the six-storey building.
Considering the avoidable nature of this tragedy, we respectfully request that a coroner’s inquest be conducted to ascertain the cause of death and make appropriate recommendations.”
Following the petition, the Lagos State Judiciary confirmed that the case had been assigned to Coroner Court 9 of the Igbosere District, currently sitting at Court 4, Yaba Magisterial District.
According to a notice signed by Senior Magistrate A. Adetunji and issued on Monday, a preliminary meeting with all relevant stakeholders has been scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2025, to outline the framework for the inquest proceedings.
The notice read:
“Please be informed that your matter has been assigned to Coroner Court 9 of Igbosere District, sitting at Court 4, Yaba District. There will be a preliminary meeting with all parties to chart a course for the inquest.
Kindly provide details of stakeholders who should be present. The session is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., pending confirmation of attendance.”
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