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 the coroner’s inquest into the death of their son, Nkanu Adichie-Esege.
Gatekeepers News reports that Kemi Pinheiro, counsel to Adichie and Esege, described the hospital’s application as premature during proceedings on Monday. He argued that the coroner had not made any substantive finding or decision that could be reviewed or quashed by the High Court.
The inquest is investigating the circumstances surrounding Nkanu’s death on January 7, 2026, after he underwent medical procedures at Euracare in Lagos. The child was 21 months old at the time of his death.
The coroner’s proceedings began in February at the Igbosere Magisterial District in Yaba. During the proceedings, it emerged that Nkanu’s remains had been cremated, prompting the hospital to challenge the continuation of the inquest.
Eurapharma Care Services Nigeria Limited, operators of Euracare, subsequently approached the Lagos State High Court seeking judicial review of the coroner’s proceedings. The hospital is asking the court to quash decisions connected to the inquest and prevent the coroner from continuing with the proceedings.
The hospital has also challenged the order requiring it and its personnel to begin presenting evidence at the inquest. Its counsel, Taiwo Osipitan, argued that Euracare should not be required to lead evidence first when the family had made allegations concerning the medical treatment of their son but had not yet presented its own evidence.
Pinheiro, however, argued that the inquest was still at a preliminary stage, with no witness having testified and no substantive evidence or finding produced by the coroner. He also relied on Section 21 of the Lagos State Coroners’ System Law, arguing that the law allows an inquest to proceed where a body has been destroyed or cannot be recovered.
The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, also urged the court to dismiss Euracare’s suit, arguing that the law permits the coroner to proceed despite the absence of the deceased’s remains.
In June, the High Court had ordered a temporary halt to the coroner’s inquest pending the determination of the hospital’s judicial review application.
After hearing arguments from the parties, Justice Aishat Opesanwo reserved ruling on the application until October 12, 2026.
