Coroner’s Court halts inquest into Chimamanda son’s death
Coroner’s Court Postpones Inquest into Toddler’s Death
LAGOS—The Coroner’s Court at the Igbosere Magistrate Court has delayed proceedings in the inquest related to the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege, the son of acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege. The delay follows a High Court order that suspends the inquest until the resolution of a pending judicial review application.
During a session on Wednesday, Coroner Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji set the next mention date for October 8, 2026, after receiving notification of the High Court’s decision.
The inquest was slated to begin when Professor Taiwo Osipitan, SAN, representing Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, informed the court that the hospital had obtained permission from the High Court to challenge the Coroner’s Court’s jurisdiction in the case. Osipitan raised concerns about the legality of the inquest, given that the child’s remains had reportedly been cremated prior to the inquiry.
He asserted that a critical question in the judicial review is whether it is permissible for a coroner to investigate the cause of death when the body is no longer available for examination. “Pending the determination of our substantive suit, this Coroner’s Court should be stayed,” he stated.
In connection with this matter, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered an investigation into the toddler’s death. Osipitan noted, “We have a return date of June 8, 2026, and we request that this court postpone proceedings until we return in compliance with the order.”
Adebola Araba, counsel for the Lagos State Attorney-General’s Office, indicated that he had not reviewed the enrolled order personally. Osipitan countered that the Attorney-General’s office had been properly served.
Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, representing the Adichie-Esege family, informed the court that four witness statements under oath had been filed. The proposed witnesses include Dr. Ivara Esege and medical experts from both the United States and Lagos University Teaching Hospital. While the family will adhere to the High Court’s stay order, they remain committed to pursuing the inquest.
Pinheiro remarked, “He who has nothing to conceal should not fear an open inquest. An innocent individual has nothing to dread. It is the darkness that fears the light.”
Counsel for Atlantis Paediatric Hospital, Efe Ize-Iyamu, stated that his client had been served with the necessary documents and aligned with Pinheiro’s arguments.
Osipitan emphasized the legal concerns surrounding the cremation of the child’s remains, stating, “Regardless of fear, there was intentional destruction.” He questioned whether someone who may have committed an offense could advocate for an inquest.
Pinheiro countered, arguing that inquests can be conducted even without the body present. After evaluating the arguments, Magistrate Adetunji postponed the matter until October 8, 2026.
This adjournment follows a May 26, 2026, order from Justice Aishat Opesanwo of the Lagos State High Court, which permitted Eurapharma Care Services Nigeria Limited to contest the Coroner’s Court proceedings. The hospital is seeking to annul the inquest due to the cremation and other legal issues related to the case of Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, who died on January 7, 2026, at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital.
The parties involved in the judicial review proceedings include the Coroner, the Chief Coroner of Lagos State, the Attorney-General, and the family of the deceased. The outcome of this case has significant implications for the legal framework surrounding coroner inquests in Nigeria.
