Lagos State Judiciary has appointed a coroner to investigate the deaths of 10 persons who lost their lives in the September 16 fire outbreak at Afriland Tower on Broad Street, Lagos Island.
The appointment followed a petition by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, urging the chief coroner of Lagos State to initiate an inquest in line with Section 15 of the Lagos State Coroner’s Law, 2007, which mandates inquiries into deaths occurring under violent or suspicious circumstances.
In a notice signed by senior magistrate A. Adetunji and issued on Monday, the judiciary said the case has been assigned to Coroner Court 9 of the Igbosere District, sitting at Court 4, Yaba Magisterial District.
A preliminary meeting with stakeholders has been scheduled for Tuesday, October 14.
The fire, which started from the building’s inverter room, produced thick smoke that trapped several occupants.
Ten victims, including four Federal Inland Revenue Service officials and six United Capital staff members, were confirmed dead.
