The Lagos State Judiciary has fixed October 14 for a preliminary meeting to commence a coroner’s inquest into the cause of death of 10 victims of the September 16 fire incident at the Afriland Tower on Broad Street, Lagos Island.
The inquest, assigned to Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji, follows a formal request by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), whose law firm petitioned the Chief Coroner of Lagos State to investigate the tragedy that claimed the lives of employees of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and United Capital Plc.
In separate statements released earlier, both organisations confirmed that four FIRS officials and six United Capital staff were among those who lost their lives when thick smoke engulfed the six-storey commercial building during the inferno.
The tragedy, which sent shockwaves through the business district, reignited conversations around workplace safety and emergency preparedness in high-rise buildings.
Legal Request Triggers Formal Investigation
In a letter dated September 29, 2025, and signed by lawyer Taiwo Olawanle on behalf of Falana & Falana’s Chambers, the firm cited Section 15 of the Lagos State Coroner’s Law 2007, which empowers the judiciary to investigate deaths resulting from violent, unnatural, or suspicious circumstances.
The petition urged the Chief Coroner to initiate a formal inquest to uncover the cause of the Afriland Tower fire and determine whether any form of negligence contributed to the fatalities. The firm noted that its request was in line with its long-standing advocacy for public accountability and justice for victims of avoidable tragedies.
According to the law firm, the fire incident was “avoidable” and raised serious questions about safety compliance within the building. The firm also stressed the need for systemic reforms to prevent a recurrence of such disasters.
The Coroner’s inquest is expected to review evidence, hear testimonies from eyewitnesses, and call relevant government agencies, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Safety Commission, and representatives of the deceased’s employers. The findings will form the basis for recommendations on improving building safety standards and emergency response systems in the state.
Coroner Sets Date For Preliminary Meeting
In her response dated October 6, 2025, Magistrate Adetunji, writing on behalf of the Chief Coroner, confirmed that the case had been assigned to Coroner Court 9 of the Igbosere District, sitting at Court 4, Yaba Magisterial District. She noted that a preliminary meeting would be held with all interested parties on Tuesday, October 14, to establish the framework and schedule for the inquest proceedings.
The coroner also invited the petitioners to provide detailed information on the stakeholders expected to participate in the meeting, including representatives of the victims’ families, government agencies, and corporate organisations connected to the incident.
The letter explained that the preliminary session would “chart a course for the inquest” and determine the procedural arrangements for hearing evidence once the process formally begins.
The Lagos State Coroner’s system, established under the 2007 law, plays a crucial role in investigating deaths that occur under questionable or tragic circumstances. Past inquests have led to important policy recommendations on workplace safety, building regulations, and medical negligence within the state.
Authorities have described the Afriland Tower fire as one of Lagos Island’s deadliest workplace disasters in recent years. The forthcoming inquest is expected to shed light on the cause of the blaze, assess the adequacy of safety measures in the building, and provide closure for families of the victims.
The preliminary meeting will hold at Court 4, Yaba Magisterial District, beginning at 9 a.m. on October 14, 2025, pending confirmation of attendance by all relevant parties.
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