The coroner’s inquest into the death of 21-month-old Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege, suffered a setback on Wednesday after Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital informed the Coroner’s Court that it had obtained an order of the Lagos State High Court staying further proceedings.
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The matter came up before Coroner Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji at Court 9, Igbosere Magisterial District, Yaba, Lagos, and had been scheduled for the commencement of witness testimony.
However, counsel to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan, SAN, informed the court that the hospital had commenced judicial review proceedings before the Lagos State High Court challenging, among other issues, the jurisdiction of the Coroner’s Court to conduct the inquest in the absence of the deceased’s body.
Osipitan told the coroner that the High Court had granted leave for the judicial review application and ordered that the leave should operate as a stay of proceedings pending the determination of the suit.
He further stated that although the Lagos State Attorney-General’s Office declined service of the originating processes, proof of service was available.
Responding on behalf of the family, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, confirmed receipt of both the originating processes and the High Court order.
Pinheiro acknowledged that all parties were bound to obey court orders, but informed the coroner that the family had already filed four witness statements on oath.
According to him, the filed statements include that of Dr. Ivara Esege, as well as statements from independent medical experts from Nigeria and the United States, who are expected to testify during the inquest.
The senior advocate urged the Coroner’s Court not to adjourn the matter indefinitely, but to fix a definite date after the court vacation to enable parties report on the progress of the High Court proceedings.
Emphasising the need for openness and public confidence in the fact-finding process, Pinheiro said: “He who is innocent does not fear an open inquest.”
He added: “The innocent man is not afraid of the lamp; it is the darkness that fears the light.”
Counsel representing Atlantis Paediatric Hospital supported the request for a definite adjournment instead of an indefinite postponement.
After listening to the submissions of counsel, the coroner adjourned the matter until October 8, 2026, for a report on the status of the High Court proceedings.
The development means that although the inquest had been listed for hearing and witness testimony, no witness was called and no evidence was taken on Wednesday.
The stay order has also delayed the testimony of several expert witnesses whose reports have already been filed before the Coroner’s Court.
The legal challenge has now shifted attention from the Coroner’s Court to the Lagos State High Court, whose decision will determine when, and whether, the fact-finding inquest into the circumstances surrounding Master Nkanu’s death can proceed.
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