The Coroner’s inquest into the death of 10 people who perished in the Afriland Tower fire on Broad Street, Lagos Island, will commence with a preliminary meeting on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
This was revealed by Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji, who was assigned by the Chief Coroner of the Lagos State Judiciary to oversee the proceedings. The disclosure came in a letter addressed to Falana & Falana’s Chambers, the law firm representing the victims’ interests.
The inquest follows a formal request from the chambers of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, who urged the Chief Coroner to probe the September 16 incident that claimed multiple lives. The purpose of the inquest is to determine the cause of death and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence of similar tragedies.
In a letter dated September 29, 2025, signed by Taiwo Olawanle on behalf of the firm, the lawyers invoked Section 15 of the Lagos State Coroner’s Law, 2007, requesting the inquest. The letter emphasized the need for accountability, noting that the victims included four officials of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and six workers of United Capital, who were trapped inside the six-storey building as thick smoke engulfed the premises.
In response, Magistrate Adetunji stated, “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.”
She added that the meeting is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 9 a.m., pending the confirmation of all relevant stakeholders.
What you should know
The Afriland Tower fire occurred on September 16, 2025, claiming 10 lives, including employees of FIRS and United Capital.
The coroner’s inquest aims to uncover the cause of the tragedy and identify systemic lapses, setting the stage for reforms in building safety and emergency response within Lagos State.
