Court stops inquest into Chimamanda Adichie’s son’s death

The Coroner's Court in Lagos has adjourned further hearings into the death of 21-month-old Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, the son of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege. The adjournment follows an order from the Lagos State High Court for a stay of proceedings.

Counsel for Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan, informed the Coroner's Court that the hospital had filed a judicial review application. The hospital is challenging the Coroner's Court's jurisdiction, arguing that an inquest cannot lawfully proceed in the absence of the deceased's body, which was allegedly cremated before the inquest process began.

The High Court granted leave for the judicial review and ordered a stay of proceedings before the Coroner's Court until the substantive suit is determined. The High Court has adjourned its matter to June 8, 2026. Osipitan urged the Coroner's Court to comply with this order.

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The High Court granted leave for judicial review and also ordered that pending the determination of the substantive suit, proceedings before this Coroner’s Court should be stayed.

Counsel for the deceased's family, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), revealed that four witness statements on oath have been filed and served. These include statements from the child's father, Dr. Ivara Esege, and medical experts from the United States and Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Pinheiro insisted that the inquest should eventually proceed, stating, "He who has nothing to hide should not fear an open inquest."

Counsel for Atlantis Pediatric Hospital confirmed their client had also been served with the High Court order. While acknowledging the stay order, they aligned with the family's counsel, noting that responses had already been filed. The Coroner's Court has fixed October 8, 2026, for further hearing, pending the outcome of the judicial review.

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He who has nothing to hide should not fear an open inquest. An innocent man has nothing to fear. It is darkness that fears the light.