LAGOS — Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Ivara Esege, have urged the Lagos State High Court to dismiss a suit filed by Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital seeking to stop the coroner’s inquest into the death of their 21-month-old son, Nkanu Adichie-Esege.
The couple’s counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Kemi Pinheiro, made the request on Monday, describing the hospital’s suit as premature on the grounds that the coroner had yet to reach any conclusion that could be challenged through judicial review.
Justice Aisat Opesanwo, who heard arguments from the parties, reserved ruling on the application until October 12, 2026.
The legal dispute centres on the ongoing inquest into the circumstances surrounding Nkanu’s death on January 7, 2026, following complications during a series of preparatory medical procedures at Euracare Hospital.
The coroner’s proceedings, which began in February at the Igbosere Magisterial District in Yaba, Lagos, were initiated to establish the circumstances surrounding the toddler’s death.
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However, the proceedings were interrupted after Euracare approached the High Court, challenging the coroner’s jurisdiction and the manner in which the inquest was initiated and conducted.
Hospital Challenges Coroner’s Jurisdiction
Euracare’s suit specifically questions the coroner’s authority to proceed with the inquest, particularly in light of the fact that the child’s remains had reportedly been cremated before the investigation began.
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The cremation emerged during the preliminary proceedings and raised questions about the availability of the body for forensic examination.
In June, the High Court granted a temporary order halting the inquest pending the determination of the hospital’s judicial review application.
Following the order, the coroner adjourned the proceedings until October.
Adichie’s Counsel Says Suit Is Premature
At Monday’s hearing, Pinheiro argued that the coroner’s proceedings were still at a preliminary stage, with no witness having testified and no evidence formally presented.
He maintained that Euracare’s application was an attempt to pre-empt a decision that had not yet been made by the coroner.
The senior lawyer also cited Section 21 of the Lagos State Coroners’ System Law, arguing that an inquest may proceed even where a body has been destroyed or cannot be recovered.
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According to Pinheiro, the absence of Nkanu’s remains did not, by itself, deprive the coroner of the jurisdiction to investigate the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
The Lagos State Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro, also urged the court to dismiss the hospital’s suit.
Euracare Opposes Application
However, counsel to Euracare, Taiwo Osipitan, opposed the application, arguing that the hospital should not be compelled to present its evidence first when the complainant, who had alleged medical incompetence, had yet to present a case.
The arguments reflect the parties’ differing positions on how the inquest should proceed and whether the hospital’s challenge to the coroner’s jurisdiction should be determined before the investigation continues.
Court Fixes October 12 for Ruling
After hearing submissions from the parties, Justice Opesanwo reserved ruling on the matter until October 12, 2026.
The decision is expected to determine whether Euracare’s judicial review suit will proceed or be dismissed, and could affect the resumption of the coroner’s inquest into Nkanu’s death.
The inquest was adjourned until October following the High Court’s temporary order in June. The latest ruling will therefore be a key step in determining the next course of the proceedings.
The matter remains before the court, and no final findings on the circumstances of Nkanu’s death or the hospital’s alleged medical incompetence have been established in the proceedings described.
