Lagos Judiciary appoints Coroner to probe Afriland Tower fire tragedy

Lagos State Judiciary has appointed a coroner to conduct a formal inquest into the tragic deaths of 10 persons who lost their lives in the recent fire outbreak at Afriland Tower, located on Broad Street, Lagos Island.

The move followed a petition by prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), who urged the Chief Coroner of Lagos State to commence an investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The inferno, which occurred on September 16, 2025, reportedly originated from the inverter room in the building and quickly spread, producing thick smoke that trapped several occupants. According to multiple videos that circulated widely on social media, some persons were seen attempting to leap from the multi-storey structure, while others were rescued by residents and passersby using ladders.

In a letter dated September 29 and titled “Request For Inquest Into The Death Of Ten (10) Persons At Afriland Tower,” Falana & Falana’s Chambers, through Taiwo Olawanle, called on the coroner to invoke Section 15 of the Lagos State Coroner’s Law of 2007. The section mandates a coroner’s inquest in cases where deaths occur under violent, unnatural, or suspicious circumstances.

The petition read in part: “We are a firm of legal practitioners committed to defending human rights, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring public accountability in Nigeria.

“It was alleged that 10 people died in the September 16, 2025, fire at Afriland Tower. 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, in line with Section 15 of the Lagos State Coroner’s Law, 2007.”

Following the request, the Lagos State Judiciary confirmed that the case had been assigned to Coroner Court 9 of the Igbosere District, which currently sits at Court 4, Yaba Magisterial District.

In a notice signed by Senior Magistrate A. Adetunji and issued on Monday, the judiciary stated that a preliminary meeting with all relevant stakeholders has been fixed for Tuesday, October 14, 2025. The session aims to outline the framework for the inquest proceedings.

The notice, obtained by our correspondent, 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 detailed information on stakeholders who should be present at the meeting. The preliminary session is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., pending confirmation of attendance and convenience of all parties.”