The Lagos State Government has reopened the Purple Mall in Lekki, about a week after it was sealed following the tragic death of a young man on its premises.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, gave the directive on Thursday during an inspection visit to the mall alongside other top government officials.
Located on Freedom Way in Lekki Phase 1, the mall was shut on July 2 after a fatal incident involving 28-year-old Obinna, who died after falling from the mall’s multi-level car park on June 26.
THE WHISTLER reports that Obinna, a regular visitor to a gym situated within the mall, had driven to the facility as usual on the day of the incident.
According to his mother, security personnel directed him to park on the fifth floor of the parking structure.
However, due to poor signage, he mistakenly drove into what appeared to be an exit route. Surveillance footage reportedly shows him driving at a moderate speed before his vehicle plunged over the edge.
Speaking on the reopening, Wahab said the state government promptly launched an investigation and requested all relevant documents from the mall’s management.
“We called for all supporting documents and investigation after the incident. And in fairness, at the end of the day, we found out that due diligence was observed and that they have the necessary paperwork” Wahab stated.
“The Mall cannot be sealed indefinitely while the other investigation is still on-going. We were satisfied with our own administrative end of the investigation.
“What we can’t control is the investigation which the Police is conducting. That’s an investigation about someone’s life,” he added.
The Commissioner described the incident as deeply unfortunate and expressed regret over public criticism on social media, which accused the government of failing to carry out due diligence before approving the construction of the mall.
