Chimamanda, husband seek dismissal of Euracare suit to halt inquest
Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi 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 halt a coroner’s inquest into the death of their 21-month-old son, Nkanu Adichie-Esege.
Counsel to Adichie and Esege, Kemi Pinheiro, made the application on Monday, describing the hospital’s suit as premature. He argued that the coroner had yet to make any finding or reach a conclusion that could be subjected to judicial review 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. A coroner sitting in the Igbosere Magisterial District in Yaba commenced proceedings in February to investigate the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
During the proceedings, it emerged that Nkanu’s remains had been cremated, raising questions about the availability of the body for forensic examination. Euracare subsequently approached the High Court, challenging the coroner’s assumption of jurisdiction and the manner in which the inquest was initiated and conducted.
In June, the High Court ordered a temporary halt to the inquest pending the determination of the judicial review proceedings. The coroner subsequently adjourned the proceedings until October.
At Monday’s hearing, Pinheiro said the coroner’s proceedings were still at the preliminary stage, with no witness having testified and no evidence formally tendered. He also relied on Section 21 of the Lagos State Coroners’ System Law, arguing that an inquest could proceed even where a body had been destroyed or could not be recovered.
The Lagos State Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro, also urged the court to dismiss the hospital’s suit. However, counsel to Euracare, Taiwo Osipitan, argued that the hospital should not be compelled to present its evidence first when the complainant, who had alleged medical incompetence, had yet to present its case.
After hearing arguments from the parties, Justice Aisat Opesanwo reserved ruling on the matter until October 12, 2026.
