Coroner Adjourns Inquest into Adichie’s Son's Death
Last update: April 14, 2026
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Coroner’s inquest into the death of Adichie's son was adjourned to May 5...
The coroner’s inquest into the death of Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has been adjourned to May 5 for definite hearing.
CBI News reports that Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji, presiding over the inquest ordered by the Lagos State Judiciary, announced the adjournment on Tuesday at the JIC Taylor Courthouse in Igbosere. Earlier proceedings had been held at the Magistrates’ Court in Yaba.
At the previous sitting on February 25, the court had scheduled April 14 for Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital to open its defence by calling witnesses, in line with agreements reached by all parties.
The coroner had also directed that witness statements on oath be filed and exchanged ahead of the sitting, with Euracare to present its case first, followed by the deceased’s family and then Atlantis Paediatric Hospital.
However, proceedings could not continue after the court observed that none of the parties had complied with the directive to file and exchange witness statements.
Appearing for Euracare for the first time, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN) told the court there was no clear order on which party should file first.
He also disclosed plans to file an interlocutory application seeking a postmortem examination to determine the cause of death, as well as access to the deceased’s medical records from his parents, Dr. Ivara Esege and Chimamanda Adichie-Esege.
He argued that these steps were necessary to ensure fair hearing before the hospital begins its defence.
In response, Magistrate Adetunji noted that the issue of an autopsy had already been addressed at the previous sitting.
She cited submissions by counsel to the Esege family, Prof. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), who relied on Section 21(1) of the Coroner Systems Law, which allows an inquest to proceed without a postmortem.
The court had accepted this position.
The magistrate further stated that Euracare already had access to prior proceedings and could obtain additional materials through subpoenas or other lawful means, stressing that such requests should not delay the hearing.
She also emphasised that Euracare had initially requested the inquest and expressed readiness to participate fully in uncovering the truth.
Magistrate Adetunji urged all parties to cooperate, adhere to timelines, and avoid shifting responsibility, noting that coroner inquests are inquisitorial rather than adversarial.
She added that the process is aimed at establishing facts, providing closure for the grieving family, and preventing similar incidents.
Counsel for the Esege family and Atlantis Hospital, Adeniyi Kazeem (SAN), confirmed that their witness statements were ready for filing.
Counsel to the Lagos State Government, Adebola Araba, said the nature of testimony would determine whether expert witnesses would be required.
The matter was adjourned to May 5 and May 20, and further to June 3, for continuation of hearing.
Master Nkanu was reportedly admitted to Euracare on January 6, 2026, after being referred from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital for urgent treatment.
He died in the early hours of January 7.
Following an investigation, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) established a prima facie case of medical negligence against three doctors: Dr. Tosin Majekodunmi, Medical Director of Euracare; Dr. Titus Ogundare, an anaesthesiologist at the hospital; and Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh, Chief Medical Director of Atlantis Paediatric Hospital.
The council also issued interim suspension orders against the doctors pending the outcome of formal disciplinary proceedings.
