The Lagos State Judiciary has scheduled a coroner’s inquest for October 14 to investigate the deaths of 10 persons in the Afriland Towers fire incident that occurred on September 16.
Gatekeepers News reports that a coroner’s inquest is a judicial inquiry conducted to determine the cause and circumstances of a death, particularly where it occurs in violent, unnatural, or suspicious circumstances.
The inquest was scheduled following a formal request by Falana & Falana’s Chambers, which petitioned the Chief Coroner of Lagos State to probe the tragedy.
The fire broke out at the six-storey Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, which houses offices of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), United Bank for Africa (UBA), United Capital Plc (UCAP), and other businesses.
The incident claimed the lives of four FIRS staff and six UCAP employees.
In a letter dated September 29, signed by Taiwo Olawanle on behalf of Femi Falana’s Chambers, the firm urged the judiciary to initiate the inquest under Section 15 of the Lagos State Coroner’s Law, 2007.
“Having regard to this avoidable tragic incident, we humbly request that a coroner’s inquest be conducted to determine the cause of death and make appropriate recommendations,” the letter stated.
Responding in a letter dated October 5 and signed by A.A. Adetunji, a Senior Magistrate, the Lagos Judiciary confirmed that the inquest had been assigned to Coroner Court 9, Igbosere District, sitting at Court 4, Yaba District.
“There would be a preliminary meeting with all parties to chart a course for the inquest,” the letter noted.
“The preliminary meeting is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 9 a.m., pending confirmation of attendance by all stakeholders.”
The judiciary also requested assistance in identifying relevant stakeholders who should attend the meeting.
