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The coroner’s inquest into the deaths of 10 people in the recent fire at Afriland Tower on Broad Street will commence with a preliminary meeting on Tuesday, October 14.
The coroner, Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji, appointed by the Chief Coroner of the Lagos State Judiciary, disclosed this in a letter to the law firm of Falana & Falana’s Chambers.
The inquest was prompted by a formal request from Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, who petitioned the Chief Coroner to investigate the circumstances surrounding the 16 September tragedy and to recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
In a letter dated September 29, 2025, and signed by Taiwo Olawanle on behalf of the firm, the lawyers cited Section 15 of the Lagos State Coroner’s Law 2007, which mandates an inquest whenever a death occurs under violent, unnatural, or suspicious circumstances.
The request noted that 10 people — including four officials of the Federal Inland Revenue Service and six employees of United Capital — died after being trapped in the six-storey building when it was engulfed by thick smoke during the fire.
Responding on 6 October, Magistrate Adetunji confirmed that the case had been assigned to Coroner Court 9 of the Igbosere District, sitting at Court 4 in Yaba. She explained that the preliminary meeting would bring together all parties to plan the course of the inquest, should it proceed.
She invited the firm to submit a list of relevant stakeholders to attend the session, which is scheduled for 9 a.m. on October 14, 2025, at Court 4, Yaba Magisterial District, pending confirmation from all parties.
