High Court Halts Chimamanda’s Son Inquest Until October –
Coroner’s Inquest into Death of Toddler Delayed by High Court Order
The coroner’s inquest into the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of notable author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege, faced a significant delay on Wednesday. Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital informed the Coroner’s Court that it has secured a stay order from the Lagos State High Court, halting further proceedings in the inquest.
The case was presented to Coroner Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji at Court 9, Igbosere Magisterial District in Lagos, where witness testimony was expected to begin.
Professor Taiwo Osipitan, SAN, representing Euracare, stated that the hospital had initiated judicial review proceedings. Among the issues raised is the jurisdiction of the Coroner’s Court to conduct the inquest without the body of the deceased.
Osipitan informed the court that the High Court had granted permission for the judicial review application and ordered a stay of proceedings while the case is under consideration. He also noted that although the Lagos State Attorney-General’s Office denied receiving the originating processes from the High Court, proof of service was available.
On behalf of the family, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, confirmed receipt of both the originating processes and the High Court order. Pinheiro stated that the family had filed four witness statements, including that of Dr. Ivara Esege, as well as testimonies from independent medical experts from Nigeria and the United States.
Pinheiro urged the Coroner not to adjourn the matter indefinitely but rather to set a specific date following the court vacation, allowing both parties to report on developments in the High Court proceedings. He emphasized the importance of transparency and public confidence in the fact-finding process, saying, “He who is innocent does not fear an open inquest.”
Counsel for Atlantis Paediatric Hospital expressed support for a definite adjournment instead of an indefinite postponement.
After hearing submissions from the parties involved, the Coroner adjourned the matter until October 8, 2026, to receive an update on the status of the High Court proceedings. The focus will now shift to the Lagos State High Court, whose decision will determine the future of the inquest into Nkanu Adichie-Esege’s death.
