Court Halts Inquest into Death of Chimamanda Adichie’s Son

The Lagos State High Court sitting in Osborne, Ikoyi, has ordered a temporary suspension of the coroner’s inquest into the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege, the son of acclaimed author Chimamanda Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege.

Justice A.O. Opesanwo granted the interim order following an ex parte application filed by Eurapharma Care Services Nigeria Limited, operators of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Victoria Island, Lagos, which is challenging the jurisdiction of the coroner’s court to continue with the inquiry.

In his ruling, Justice Opesanwo held that the application raised significant legal and procedural issues that deserved full consideration before the inquest could proceed.

“The application is not frivolous or vexatious. It raises issues of procedure and fairness that ought to be ventilated at the substantive stage,” the judge ruled.

The court subsequently directed Eurapharma Care Services to file its substantive application for judicial review within 14 days and ordered that all proceedings before the coroner’s court be suspended pending the determination of the matter.

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The hospital, through its legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Taiwo Osipitan, argued that the coroner’s court lacked the authority to continue the inquest because the child’s remains were allegedly cremated before the commencement of proceedings. According to the company, this development raises questions about the legal foundation of the inquiry.

The hospital also challenged a directive issued during the proceedings requiring it to open its defence and call witnesses before other parties involved in the case, describing the order as unfair and contrary to due process.

Named as respondents in the suit are Senior Magistrate A.A. Adetunji, the Chief Coroner of Lagos State, the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Ivara Esege, Chimamanda Adichie, and Atlantis Pediatric Hospital Limited.

The court’s decision comes amid growing scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the toddler’s death. Reports indicate that the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel recently suspended Euracare’s Medical Director, Dr. Tunde Majekodunmi, along with two other medical personnel, over allegations relating to the management of the child before his death.

The suspension has intensified public interest in the case, which has drawn attention from medical professionals, legal experts, and members of the public.

The matter has been adjourned until June 9, 2026, when the court is expected to hear further arguments on the hospital’s application for judicial review.

The outcome of the case could determine whether the coroner’s inquest resumes or remains halted pending further legal proceedings.