A coroner’s court in Lagos State has adjourned proceedings in the inquest into the death of Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, setting May 5 for a definite hearing.
The adjournment was announced on Tuesday by Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji, who is overseeing the inquiry initiated by the Lagos State Judiciary.
The session took place at the JIC Taylor Courthouse in Igbosere, although earlier hearings were held at the Magistrates’ Court in Yaba.
At a previous sitting on February 25, the court had directed Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital to begin its defence by presenting witnesses, while all parties were instructed to file and exchange sworn witness statements before the April 14 hearing.
However, proceedings were delayed after the court observed that none of the parties had complied with the directive.
Appearing for Euracare, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN) stated that there was no clear instruction on which party should file first. He also revealed plans to submit an application requesting a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death, along with access to the deceased’s medical records from his parents.
In response, Magistrate Adetunji noted that the issue of an autopsy had already been addressed in earlier hearings, referencing arguments by counsel to the Esege family, Prof. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), who maintained that an inquest could proceed without a post-mortem under the law.
She added that any additional documents could be obtained through legal means without delaying proceedings, urging all parties to comply with court directives.
The magistrate emphasized that coroner inquests are meant to uncover facts surrounding a death, provide closure for families, and help prevent similar occurrences.
Counsel for the Esege family and Atlantis Paediatric Hospital, Adeniyi Kazeem (SAN), confirmed that their witness statements were ready for filing, while Lagos State Government counsel Adebola Araba noted that the need for expert witnesses would depend on testimonies presented.
The case has now been adjourned to May 5, May 20, and June 3 for continued hearing.
Master Nkanu was reportedly admitted to Euracare Hospital on January 6, 2026, after being referred from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital, and passed away in the early hours of January 7.
Following investigations, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria established a prima facie case of medical negligence against three doctors, including Euracare’s Medical Director, an anaesthesiologist at the hospital, and the Chief Medical Director of Atlantis Paediatric Hospital.