Court Adjourns Inquest Into Chimamanda’s Son’s Death

Proceedings in the coroner’s inquest into the death of Nkanu Adichie-Esege, the 21-month-old son of acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, have been adjourned until October 8, 2026.

The adjournment followed a ruling by a Lagos High Court ordering a temporary halt to the inquest pending the determination of a judicial review application challenging the process and jurisdiction of the coroner’s court.

High Court Orders Suspension of Inquest

Atinuke Adetunji, the coroner sitting at the Igbosere Magisterial District in Yaba, announced the adjournment on Wednesday after parties informed the court of the High Court’s order.

The Lagos High Court had granted an application filed by Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital seeking judicial review of the coroner’s proceedings.

The hospital is challenging whether the coroner’s court properly assumed jurisdiction over the matter, particularly because the deceased child’s body had already been cremated before the inquest commenced.

Nkanu, one of Adichie’s twins, died on January 7, 2026, following complications arising from a series of preparatory medical procedures at the hospital.

Following the incident, Adichie served the hospital with a legal notice, alleging that medical negligence and professional misconduct contributed to her son’s death.

The coroner’s inquest began in February to investigate and determine the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

Hospital Challenges Jurisdiction of Coroner’s Court

During Wednesday’s proceedings, Taiwo Osipitan, counsel to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, informed the coroner that the hospital had instituted judicial review proceedings before the High Court.

According to Osipitan, the application questions, among other issues, whether the coroner’s court can lawfully conduct an inquest without access to the deceased’s body, which had been cremated before the commencement of proceedings.

He added that the High Court granted leave for the judicial review application and ordered that the leave should operate as a stay of the inquest pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The issue of the cremation emerged during earlier proceedings and has become a central aspect of the legal dispute, as it raises questions regarding the availability of primary forensic evidence that could assist the inquest.

Family Seeks Definite Adjournment Date

Responding on behalf of the family, Kemi Pinheiro confirmed receipt of the judicial review processes and the High Court order.

Pinheiro told the coroner that the family had already filed four witness statements on oath, including statements from Ivara Esege, the child’s father, and independent medical experts from Nigeria and the United States who are expected to testify during the inquest.

He urged the court not to adjourn the matter indefinitely but instead to fix a definite date after the court vacation to allow parties provide updates on the High Court proceedings.

“He who is innocent does not fear an open inquest. The innocent man is not afraid of the lamp; it is the darkness that fears the light,” Pinheiro said during his submission.

After hearing arguments from both parties, the coroner adjourned the matter until October 8, 2026, when the court is expected to receive an update on the status of the judicial review proceedings before the Lagos High Court.

The outcome of the High Court case is expected to determine whether the coroner’s inquest into the death of Nkanu Adichie-Esege will proceed or remain suspended pending further legal action.

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A Lagos-based journalist with a passion for disseminating factual information and a deep appreciation for good music, good food, movies, and beautiful cars. He hopes to travel the world someday, documenting its beauty and diverse cultures through his storytelling.