The Lagos State Judiciary has commenced the process of investigating the tragic fire incident at Afriland Tower on Broad Street, Lagos Island, which led to the deaths of ten persons.
According to The PUNCH, this follows a formal request made by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), to the Chief Coroner of Lagos State, calling for an inquest into the circumstances surrounding the September 16 tragedy.
In the petition dated September 29 and signed by Taiwo Olawanle on behalf of Falana & Falana’s Chambers, the firm urged the judiciary to invoke Section 15 of the Lagos State Coroner’s Law, 2007, which mandates an inquest in cases of violent, unnatural, or suspicious deaths.
“We request that a coroner’s inquest be conducted into the cause of death of the ten persons who perished in the Afriland Tower fire,” the letter read.
“The victims—four officials of the Federal Inland Revenue Service and six workers of United Capital—were trapped after thick smoke engulfed the six-storey building. This tragic and avoidable incident calls for a full investigation to prevent future recurrence.”
Confirming the development, the Lagos State Judiciary, in a notice signed by Senior Magistrate A. Adetunji, announced that the matter has been assigned to Coroner Court 9 of the Igbosere District, which currently sits at Court 4, Yaba Magisterial District.
The notice further disclosed that a preliminary meeting involving all stakeholders has been scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 9 a.m., to outline the framework for the inquest.
“There will be a preliminary meeting with all parties to chart a course for the inquest if one is to be convened. Stakeholders are invited to provide detailed information on representatives who must attend,” the judiciary stated.
Videos from the scene of the incident had earlier shown desperate individuals attempting to jump from the high-rise building while others were rescued by passersby using ladders.
The coroner’s inquest, once convened, is expected to determine the cause and circumstances of the deaths and make recommendations aimed at preventing similar disasters in the future.
