The Lagos State Judiciary has appointed a coroner to investigate the deaths of ten persons who lost their lives in the recent fire incident at the Afriland Tower on Broad Street, Lagos Island.
The development follows a formal request by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), urging the Chief Coroner of Lagos State to conduct an inquest into the tragedy.
The fire, which reportedly started from smoke that emanated from the building’s inverter room, claimed the lives of four officials of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and six workers of United Capital, who were trapped inside the six-storey complex after thick smoke engulfed the premises.
Videos shared on social media showed residents and passersby using ladders to rescue trapped occupants, while others were seen attempting to jump from the upper floors of the building.
In a letter dated September 29, 2025, and signed by Taiwo Olawanle on behalf of Falana & Falana’s Chambers, the firm requested the Chief Coroner to act in line with Section 15 of the Lagos State Coroner’s Law, 2007, which mandates an inquest into any death arising from violent, unnatural, or suspicious circumstances.
The letter read in part: “Having regard to the avoidable tragic incident, we humbly request you to cause a coroner’s inquest to be conducted into the cause of the death of these persons and make appropriate recommendations under Section 15 of the Lagos State Coroner’s Law, 2007.”
Responding, the Lagos State Judiciary confirmed that the matter has been assigned to Coroner Court 9 of the Igbosere District, which sits at Court 4, Yaba Magisterial District.
In a notice signed by Senior Magistrate A. Adetunji, the judiciary stated that a preliminary meeting involving all relevant stakeholders has been scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2025, to outline the process for the inquest.
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 would be a preliminary meeting with all parties to chart a course for the inquest if one were to be convened.”
Stakeholders have been requested to provide detailed information on parties expected to attend the meeting, which is tentatively slated for 9 a.m. at the Yaba Magisterial District.
The coroner’s inquest, when convened, is expected to establish the cause and circumstances surrounding the deaths and make recommendations to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents in the future.