The Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikoyi has fixed October 12, 2026, to rule on an application by Eurapharma Care Services, operators of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, seeking to stop the coroner’s inquest into the death of Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of author Chimamanda Adichie and her husband, Ivara Esege.
During proceedings on Monday, counsel to Adichie and Esege, Kemi Pinheiro, argued that the hospital’s suit was premature because the coroner had not yet reached any conclusion that could be challenged before the High Court.
Eurapharma is asking the court to review and set aside decisions connected to the inquest and prevent Coroner Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji from continuing with the proceedings. Among the issues before the court is whether hospital personnel can be required to begin presenting evidence before the family concludes its case, and whether the inquest can proceed after Nkanu’s remains were cremated.
Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the application. He argued that the coroner has the legal authority to continue an inquest where a deceased person’s body has been destroyed or is unavailable.
Pedro cited Section 21 of the Lagos State Coroners System Law and argued that the application for judicial review was premature because the coroner had not taken evidence or testimony when the application was filed.
Nkanu Adichie-Esege died on January 7, 2026, at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos, where he had been receiving medical treatment.
Source: VANGUARD
