Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie and her husband, Ivara Esege, have urged the Lagos High Court to dismiss a suit filed by Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital seeking to stop the coroner’s inquest into the death of their son, Nkanu Adichie-Esege.
Kemi Pinheiro, counsel representing Adichie and Esege, told the court on Monday that the hospital’s suit was “premature”.
Pinheiro argued that the coroner had yet to make any finding that could be nullified by the Lagos High Court.
Background
Nkanu, one of Adichie’s twins, died on January 7, 2026, after developing complications during a series of preparatory medical procedures at Euracare Hospital.
In February, the coroner sitting at the Igbosere magisterial district in Yaba began proceedings to investigate the circumstances surrounding Nkanu’s death and determine what led to it.
During the proceedings, it emerged that the child had been cremated, raising questions about the availability of primary forensic evidence.
The hospital subsequently approached the Lagos High Court, seeking a judicial review of whether the coroner’s court had properly assumed jurisdiction, particularly because the child’s body had been cremated before the inquest commenced.
In June, the Lagos High Court ordered a temporary suspension of the coroner’s inquest into the death of 21-month-old Nkanu, pending a judicial review of how the proceedings were initiated and conducted.
Following the order, the coroner adjourned the inquest until October.
Monday’s proceedings
During Monday’s proceedings, Pinheiro said the coroner’s inquest remained at the preliminary stage, with no witness called and no evidence tendered before the court.
Counsel for the author argued that the judicial review initiated by the hospital could not be used to pre-empt a decision that the coroner had not yet reached.
Pinheiro also argued that Section 21 of the Lagos State Coroners’ System Law permits an inquest to proceed where a body has been destroyed or cannot be recovered.
The senior lawyer maintained that the absence of the body did not remove the coroner’s jurisdiction to conduct the inquest.
Lawal Pedro, the Attorney-General of Lagos State, also urged the court to dismiss the hospital’s suit.
However, Taiwo Osipitan, counsel to Euracare, argued that the hospital should not be required to present its evidence first when the complainant, who had alleged medical incompetence, had yet to present its own evidence.
After hearing arguments from the parties, Aisat Opesanwo, the trial judge, reserved ruling until October 12, 2026.