The Lagos State Government has shut down Purple Mall, a popular retail and lifestyle center in Lekki, following the tragic death of a 28-year-old man named Obinna, who fell from the mall’s multi-level car park on June 26, 2025. Obinna, a regular gym patron at the mall, was reportedly directed by security personnel to park on the fifth floor but mistakenly drove through what appeared to be an exit route due to unclear signage. Surveillance footage reviewed by the family and authorities showed Obinna driving at a moderate speed before his vehicle plunged over the edge.
Obinna’s mother raised concerns over conflicting reports from mall management, who claimed he refused valet parking services, a claim contradicted by a friend who was following behind and confirmed both were instructed to park their own cars. It reportedly took emergency responders over 30 minutes to extract Obinna from the wreckage, and he was confirmed dead upon arrival at the hospital.
In response, the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources sealed off the mall on July 2, 2025, pending a comprehensive investigation. Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab announced the formation of a specialized technical team to assess the structural integrity of the parking facility and determine whether negligence or safety violations contributed to the fatal incident.
Wahab emphasized the government’s commitment to enforcing strict safety standards in public and commercial spaces, promising full accountability and measures to prevent future tragedies. The incident has sparked broader discussions about safety compliance in Lagos’s commercial properties, with regulatory agencies expected to intensify enforcement of building codes and operational protocols.
Purple Mall, operated by Purple Group, caters primarily to middle-income consumers with mixed-use retail and entertainment offerings. The closure remains indefinite as investigations continue.