The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Purple Mall, a prominent retail and lifestyle hub in Lekki, following the tragic death of a 28-year-old man who fell from the mall’s multi-storey car park on Thursday, 26 June.
The victim, identified as Obinna, was a regular gym-goer at the facility. According to his mother, he had been instructed by security staff to park on the fifth floor of the mall. Tragically, due to allegedly poor signage, he inadvertently drove through what appeared to be an exit route. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Obinna driving at a moderate speed before his vehicle plunged off the edge of the parking structure.
The family has since raised alarm over contradictory accounts provided by the mall’s management. While officials claim the deceased rejected valet services, a friend who was following behind him has contested that version, stating both were explicitly told to park their vehicles personally.
It was further revealed that emergency responders took over 30 minutes to retrieve Obinna from the wreckage. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital.
On Wednesday, 2 July, the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources sealed the premises pending the conclusion of a formal investigation. Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab confirmed that a technical team has been constituted to assess the structural integrity of the facility and determine whether lapses in safety protocol or negligence contributed to the fatality.
“The state government remains unwavering in its commitment to public safety. All commercial properties must strictly adhere to safety regulations, and any violations will be sanctioned accordingly,” Wahab stated.
The incident has ignited renewed public discourse surrounding health and safety compliance in Lagos’ commercial properties. Observers anticipate heightened regulatory oversight in the coming weeks, with developers and facility managers likely under increased scrutiny.
Purple Mall, managed by Purple Group, caters to the city’s growing middle-income demographic through a blend of retail, leisure, and entertainment services.
