Court Adjourns Chimamanda Adichie's Son Probe to Oct. 8

By Innocent Anaba

The coroner’s inquest into the death of 21‑month‑old Master Nkanu Adichie‑Esege, son of author Chimamanda Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege, encountered a significant delay when Euracare Multi‑Specialist Hospital informed the Coroner’s Court that it had obtained an order from the Lagos State High Court to stay further proceedings.

The court therefore adjourned the case to October 8, 2026.

The matter was before Coroner Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji at Igbosere Magisterial District, Yaba, Lagos, where witness testimony was scheduled to begin.

Prof. Taiwo Osipitan, SAN, counsel for Euracare Multi‑Specialist Hospital, told the court that the hospital had launched judicial review proceedings challenging, among other matters, the jurisdiction of the Coroner’s Court to conduct the inquest without the deceased’s body present. He disclosed that the High Court had granted leave for the application and ordered that the leave operate as a stay of proceedings pending the suit’s determination.

Osipitan also informed the court that, although the Lagos State Attorney‑General’s Office had declined service of the originating processes, proof of service was available.

Responding on behalf of the family, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, confirmed receipt of both the originating processes and the High Court order.

Pinheiro acknowledged the obligation of all parties to comply with court orders and informed the Coroner that the family had already filed four witness statements on oath, including that of Dr. Ivara Esege, as well as statements from independent medical experts from Nigeria and the United States who are expected to testify at the inquest.

He urged the court not to adjourn the matter indefinitely but to a definite date after the court vacation so that parties could report on developments in the High Court proceedings.

Highlighting the need for transparency and public confidence in the fact‑finding process, he said: “He who is innocent does not fear an open inquest.” He added, “The innocent man is not afraid of the lamp; it is the darkness that fears the light.”

Counsel representing Atlantis Paediatric Hospital also supported the request for a definite adjournment rather than an indefinite postponement.

Following these submissions, the Coroner adjourned the matter until October 8, 2026, to report on the status of the High Court proceedings.

This development means that, although the inquest was scheduled to begin hearing evidence on the circumstances surrounding Nkanu’s death, no witness has yet been called and no testimony taken.

The stay order has also delayed the testimony of several expert witnesses whose reports have already been filed before the Coroner’s Court.

The legal challenge has shifted focus from the Coroner’s Court to the Lagos State High Court, whose eventual decision will determine when the fact‑finding exercise can proceed.

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