Nigerian author, Chimamanda Adichie, and her husband, Ivara Esege, have asked 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 son, Nkanu Adichie-Esege.
Kemi Pinheiro, counsel to Adichie and Esege, told the court on Monday that the hospital’s suit was “premature”, arguing that the coroner had yet to make any finding that could be reviewed or nullified by the high court.
Nkanu, one of Adichie’s twins, died on January 7, 2026, following complications during a series of preparatory medical procedures at Euracare Hospital.
In February, the coroner sitting at the Igbosere Magisterial District in Yaba commenced proceedings to investigate the circumstances surrounding the 21-month-old child’s death.
During the proceedings, it emerged that the child had been cremated, raising questions about the availability of the primary forensic evidence.
Euracare subsequently approached the Lagos State High Court seeking a judicial review of whether the coroner’s court properly assumed jurisdiction, particularly given that the child’s body had been cremated before the inquest commenced.
In June, the high court ordered a temporary halt to the coroner’s inquest pending a judicial review of how the proceedings were initiated and conducted.
Following the order, the coroner adjourned the inquest to October.
Pinheiro argued that the coroner’s proceedings were still at the preliminary stage, with no witness called and no evidence tendered.
He argued that the hospital’s judicial review could not be used to pre-empt a decision that the coroner had not yet made.
The senior lawyer also cited Section 21 of the Lagos State Coroners’ System Law, which provides for an inquest where a body has been destroyed or cannot be recovered.
According to him, the absence of Nkanu’s body does not strip the coroner’s court of jurisdiction to conduct the inquest.
Lawal Pedro, the Lagos State Attorney-General, also urged the court to dismiss Euracare’s suit.
However, Taiwo Osipitan, counsel to Euracare, argued that the hospital should not be compelled to present its evidence first when the complainants, who had alleged medical incompetence, had yet to present theirs.
After hearing arguments from the parties, Aisat Opesanwo, the trial judge, reserved ruling on the application until October 12, 2026.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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