The coroner’s inquest into the death of Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, the young son of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie, has been adjourned to May 5, 2026, for definite hearing.
Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji made the announcement on Tuesday at the JIC Taylor Courthouse, Igbosere, Lagos, after proceedings could not proceed as scheduled.
The inquest, which was previously held at the Magistrates’ Court, Yaba, had directed Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital one of the parties to open its defence on Tuesday by calling witnesses.
The coroner had also ordered all parties to file and exchange witness statements on oath before the sitting.
However, none of the parties complied with the directive. Euracare’s new lead counsel, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), who appeared for the first time, informed the court of plans to file an interlocutory application seeking a postmortem examination to determine the cause of death and access to the deceased’s medical records from his parents, Dr. Ivara Esege and Chimamanda Adichie.
Magistrate Adetunji rejected the delay, noting that the issue of autopsy had already been settled at a previous sitting.
She referenced Section 21(1) of the Coroner Systems Law, which permits an inquest to proceed without a postmortem, and reminded parties that Euracare had requested the inquest and must not stall the process.
The magistrate stressed that coroner’s inquests are inquisitorial, aimed at uncovering facts, providing closure to the family, and preventing future occurrences, rather than being adversarial.
Counsel for the family and Atlantis Paediatric Hospital, Adeniyi Kazeem (SAN), confirmed their witness statements were ready, while Lagos State Government counsel said the need for expert witnesses would depend on the evidence presented.
The matter was further adjourned to May 20 and June 3, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
Master Nkanu was admitted at Euracare Hospital on January 6, 2026, after referral from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital. He died in the early hours of January 7.
The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) had earlier established a prima facie case of medical negligence against three doctors involved in his care and issued interim suspension orders pending disciplinary proceedings.
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