The Lagos State High Court sitting at Osborne, Ikoyi, has temporarily halted the coroner’s inquest into the tragic death of Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of celebrated author Chimamanda Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege.Demographics
Justice A.O. Opesanwo granted the order following an ex parte application by Eurapharma Care Services Nigeria Limited, the operators of the Victoria Island hospital where the child reportedly passed away on January 7, 2026.
The hospital is challenging the inquest, arguing that it lacks jurisdiction since the child’s body was allegedly cremated before the coroner’s proceedings began. The legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Prof. Taiwo Osipitan, also questioned a coroner court directive that required the hospital to present its defence and call witnesses first, despite allegations of medical negligence.
Respondents in the suit include Senior Magistrate A.A. Adetunji, the Chief Coroner of Lagos State, the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Ivara Esege, Chimamanda Adichie, and Atlantis Pediatric Hospital Limited.
Justice Opesanwo ruled that the application raised substantial issues deserving judicial consideration. “The application is not frivolous or vexatious. It raises issues of procedure and fairness that ought to be ventilated at the substantive stage,” the judge said.
The court has given Eurapharma Care Services 14 days to file its substantive judicial review application, while all coroner proceedings remain suspended. The matter has been adjourned to June 9, 2026, for further hearing.
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