Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos has asked the Lagos State High Court to stop the coroner’s inquest into the death of Nkanu Adichie-Esege, the 21-month-old son of Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege.
The hospital, operated by Eurapharma Care Services Nigeria Limited, is challenging the ongoing inquest into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death at the facility on January 7, 2026.
Justice Aishat Opesanwo of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikoyi has fixed October 12, 2026, to rule on the hospital’s application.
The hospital is challenging, among other issues, the jurisdiction of the coroner to continue with the inquest following the cremation of Nkanu’s remains.
However, Chimamanda Adichie and her husband have opposed the hospital’s application and asked the court to dismiss the case.
Their lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, described the hospital’s application as premature, arguing that the coroner had not yet made any finding or determination that could be challenged before the High Court.
The Lagos State Government, including the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, as well as the Chief Coroner and the presiding coroner, have also opposed the hospital’s bid to halt the proceedings.
Nkanu died at Euracare Hospital on January 7, 2026, after undergoing medical treatment and diagnostic procedures. His death subsequently led to calls for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding it.
The family has previously raised allegations of medical negligence in connection with the child’s treatment, while the hospital has disputed the allegations.
The coroner’s inquest is intended to examine the circumstances surrounding Nkanu’s death. The Lagos High Court’s ruling on October 12 will determine whether the proceedings can continue.
