KEY POINTS
- Lagos Judiciary assigns coroner to probe Afriland Tower fire.
- Falana invokes Section 15 of Lagos Coroner’s Law.
- Ten people, including FIRS officials, died in the blaze.
The Lagos State Judiciary has appointed a coroner to investigate the deaths of 10 people who died in last month’s fire at Afriland Tower on Lagos Island.
The move followed a formal request by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), who urged the Chief Coroner to open an inquest into the September 16 incident.
Coroner to probe circumstances of deaths
The judiciary assigned the case to Coroner Court 9 of the Igbosere District, which sits at the Yaba Magisterial District, and scheduled a preliminary meeting with all stakeholders for October 14.
Furthermore, a notice signed by Magistrate A. Adetunji said the meeting will help determine the scope of the inquiry and identify key participants.
Falana seeks accountability under Lagos law
In his letter, Falana cited Section 15 of the Lagos State Coroner’s Law, which mandates an inquest into any death occurring under violent, unnatural, or suspicious circumstances.
His chambers further said the fire trapped four officials of the Federal Inland Revenue Service and six employees of United Capital as smoke filled the building’s inverter room.
Inquest aims to prevent future tragedies
Falana’s firm said the inquest should not only identify the cause of the deaths but also recommend safety reforms to prevent similar incidents.
“The deaths were avoidable,” the request stated, calling for transparency and public accountability.
Finally, the inquest, once convened, will examine the events leading up to the fire, assess the building’s safety measures, and make recommendations to strengthen emergency response in Lagos.
