Amanze Chinonye
A Lagos State High Court has dismissed an application by Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital to halt a coroner’s inquest into the death of Nkanu Esege, the 21-month-old son of Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Ivara Esege.
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Justice Aishat Opesanwo ruled that the cremation of the child’s remains did not prevent the coroner from investigating the circumstances of his death.
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The hospital, operated by Eurapharma Care Services Nigeria Limited, had argued that the absence of the body made a post-mortem examination impossible and could lead to speculative findings. It also challenged the proposed sequence for receiving evidence, arguing that requiring its medical personnel to testify first would breach its right to a fair hearing under Nigeria’s constitution.
The court rejected the challenge, holding that a coroner’s inquest is a fact-finding proceeding aimed at establishing the circumstances of a death, rather than a criminal or civil trial to determine liability or impose punishment. The judge also upheld the coroner’s discretion to determine the order in which witnesses and evidence would be presented.
Adichie and her husband opposed the hospital’s application, arguing that it was premature because the coroner had yet to make a substantive finding that could be challenged through judicial review. The Lagos State Government also opposed the application, maintaining that the inquiry could proceed under the state’s Coroners’ System Law.
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Nkanu died at Euracare in Lagos on Jan. 7, 2026. His parents have alleged medical negligence, including concerns about the administration of sedatives and the provision of oxygen. The hospital has denied wrongdoing, saying the child arrived in a critical condition and that its medical personnel followed appropriate treatment procedures.
The legal dispute intensified after the child’s remains were cremated, prompting the hospital to challenge the coroner’s authority to proceed and the proposed order for receiving evidence. The inquest had been suspended pending the determination of the hospital’s application.
The ruling clears the way for the inquest to resume as questions remain unresolved pending the coroner’s findings and any subsequent legal proceedings.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
