Chimamanda Adichie and her husband, Ivara Esege, have asked the Lagos State High Court to dismiss a suit filed by Euracare Multi‑Specialist Hospital that seeks to halt the coroner’s inquest into the death of their son, Nkanu Adichie‑Esege, who died on 7 January 2026 while receiving treatment at the hospital.
Kemi Pinheiro, counsel for the couple, told the court on Monday that the hospital’s suit was “premature”. She added that the coroner had not yet made any findings that could be nullified by the Lagos High Court.
The court has reserved 12 October 2026 to rule on Eurapharma Care Services’ application to stop the inquest. Eurapharma, the operator of Euracare, is seeking certiorari orders to quash decisions already made in connection with the inquest and to prevent Coroner Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji from continuing the proceedings.
The hospital’s application raises two main questions: whether it can be required to present evidence before the family has presented its case, and whether the coroner can lawfully continue the inquest after Nkanu’s remains were cremated.
Lawyer Lawal Pedro, the Lagos State Attorney‑General and Commissioner for Justice, also urged the court to dismiss the application. He argued that the coroner has statutory discretion to proceed with an inquest even when a body has been destroyed or is unavailable, citing Section 21 of the Lagos State Coroners System Law. Pedro further contended that the application for judicial review was premature because the coroner had not taken any evidence or testimony when it was filed.
The case highlights the tension between a family’s desire for closure and a hospital’s concerns over procedural matters. The court’s upcoming decision will determine whether the inquest can proceed or be halted, potentially setting a precedent for future post‑mortem investigations in Lagos.
Observers will watch the 12 October hearing closely, as the outcome could influence how hospitals and families navigate legal challenges surrounding death investigations in Nigeria.
