Lagos coroner Afriland Tower fire probe begins as judiciary investigates the deaths of 10 victims following the tragic Lagos Island blaze

The Lagos coroner Afriland Tower fire probe has officially begun as the state judiciary assigned a coroner to investigate the deaths of ten people who lost their lives in the recent blaze at Afriland Tower on Lagos Island.

Also read: Afriland Tower Fire Smoke kills 10 in Lagos Tragedy

This development followed a formal petition by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), who urged the Chief Coroner of Lagos State to conduct an inquest into the incident.

The fire, which reportedly started in the inverter room of the building, filled the premises with thick smoke and left many trapped inside.

Videos shared across social media showed frantic scenes as individuals attempted to jump from the upper floors, while others were rescued by residents and emergency responders using ladders.

In a letter dated 29 September 2025, titled “Request for Inquest into the Death of Ten (10) Persons at Afriland Tower,” and signed by Taiwo Olawanle on behalf of Falana & Falana’s Chambers, the firm urged the coroner to invoke Section 15 of the Lagos State Coroner’s Law, 2007.

The section mandates an inquiry into any deaths resulting from violent, unnatural, or suspicious circumstances.

The petition highlighted that the victims included four Federal Inland Revenue Service officials and six United Capital workers, who were trapped in the six-storey building as the fire spread. It described the incident as “avoidable” and called for accountability and preventive recommendations.

In response, the Lagos State Judiciary confirmed that the matter had been assigned to Coroner Court 9, Igbosere District, sitting at Court 4, Yaba Magisterial District.

A notice issued and signed by Senior Magistrate A. Adetunji on Monday revealed that a preliminary meeting with all stakeholders has been scheduled for Tuesday, 14 October 2025, to chart the direction for the inquest.

“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,” the notice stated.

The Lagos coroner Afriland Tower fire investigation aims to uncover the circumstances surrounding the deaths and make vital recommendations to prevent future tragedies.

The inquest, once convened, will also seek to establish accountability and ensure safety compliance in commercial high-rise buildings across the state.

Also read: Oluremi Tinubu Condolence Message Follows Lagos Fire Tragedy

This decisive step marks a significant move by the judiciary to deliver justice and promote transparency following one of Lagos Island’s most shocking recent disasters.