Lagos to Begin Coroner’s Inquest Into Afriland Tower Fire October 14
(The Lagos State Judiciary has announced that a coroner’s inquest into the tragic fire incident at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, will begin on October 14, 2025.
According to a statement released on Monday, the inquest will be conducted by Coroner Court 9, Igbosere District, sitting at Court 4 of the Yaba Magisterial District. The preliminary sitting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. and will involve all concerned parties to determine the scope and procedure of the inquiry.
The investigation follows a petition filed by the chambers of human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), invoking Section 15 of the Lagos State Coroner’s Law 2007, which mandates an inquest whenever a death occurs in circumstances that appear unnatural, violent, or suspicious.
The Afriland Towers fire, which occurred on September 16, 2025, claimed 10 lives, including four staff members of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and six employees of United Capital Plc (UCAP).
The inferno gutted several floors of the six-storey commercial building, prompting widespread calls for accountability and stricter enforcement of safety regulations.
The coroner’s inquest aims to establish the cause of the fire, the circumstances leading to the deaths, and whether any parties should be held responsible for negligence or safety breaches.
The Lagos State Government has assured the public that the process will be transparent and thorough, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and their families.
The findings of the inquest are expected to guide future safety measures in high-rise buildings across the state
