The Lagos state government has sealed Purple Mall in Lekki following the death of a man who reportedly fell from the facility’s multi-level car park.
The incident occurred on June 26 when the victim, identified as Obinna, allegedly drove through an unmarked exit on the fifth floor of the parking structure. He was said to be a regular visitor to a gym located within the mall.
Eyewitnesses and family members said Obinna was directed by mall personnel to park on the upper level.
Surveillance footage reportedly showed his car moving at moderate speed before plunging from the parking structure. He was rushed to the hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival.
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In a statement via X on Wednesday, Tokunbo Wahab, commissioner for the environment and water resources, said the mall had been sealed “indefinitely” following the “entirely preventable” incident.
He said a special team had been set up to determine the cause of the collapse, assess compliance with building safety regulations, and identify any violations.
“Following the tragic incident at Purple Mall, Lekki that claimed a young Nigerian life, our Ministry has taken immediate action,” he wrote.
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“The facility has been sealed indefinitely, and a specialized investigation team has been constituted to: Determine the root cause of the parking lot failure, assess compliance with all building safety regulations, identify any environmental or structural violations. This heartbreaking accident was entirely preventable.”
He added that the state government will ensure full accountability and put in place measures to prevent a recurrence.
