AfriPulse
The coroner’s inquest into the death of Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, resumed on Tuesday in Lagos amid sharp procedural disputes that stalled the taking of oral evidence.
Proceedings before Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji at Coroner Court 9, Igbosere District, now sitting at the Magistrate Court, Igbosere, were dominated by disagreements over which party should commence the presentation of evidence.
The case, which has drawn widespread public attention within and outside Nigeria, stems from the death of the toddler in January 2026 following a brief illness—an incident that has since sparked allegations of medical negligence and renewed scrutiny of healthcare standards.
At Tuesday’s sitting, counsel for Euracare Hospital, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan, SAN, argued that his client was not ready to proceed, citing a lack of sufficient witness statements and urging the court to direct the family to open the case.
However, the family’s legal team, led by Prof. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, opposed the move, insisting that Euracare, having initiated the inquest, must lead evidence in line with an earlier agreement. He reminded the court that the sequence—Euracare first, followed by the family and then Atlantis Paediatric Hospital—had already been settled.
Magistrate Adetunji upheld the agreed order, stressing that the integrity of the process must not be compromised. She noted that a letter filed by Euracare seeking to vary the sequence had not been properly served and had, in any case, been overtaken by events.
Reaffirming the nature of the proceedings, the coroner emphasized that the inquest is inquisitorial, aimed at uncovering the circumstances surrounding the child’s death rather than apportioning blame.
The Office of the Attorney General of Lagos State, represented by Adebola Araba, supported the court’s position, noting that while expert medical testimony is often required, it is not mandatory in all cases.
Euracare had also hinted at a possible application relating to an autopsy report, but the coroner declined to delay proceedings on the basis of an application yet to be formally filed. She further clarified that under the Coroner’s Law, an inquest may proceed even in the absence of a body or autopsy findings.
Legal representation in the matter reflects its high-profile nature. Atlantis Paediatric Hospital is represented by Prof. Kazeem Adeniji, SAN, while Euracare Hospital is led by Prof. Osipitan. The family’s team also includes Mr. Adeyinka Aderemi, SAN, alongside other counsel.
Despite the intensity of the legal exchanges, no witness was called to testify.
The coroner subsequently directed all parties to file and exchange their witness statements, granting leave for rebuttals where necessary, and urged counsel to improve coordination to avoid further delays.
The matter was adjourned to May 5, May 20, and June 3, 2026. The court maintained that Euracare must commence the presentation of evidence at the next sitting, failing which the family will be permitted to open their case.
Tuesday’s proceedings, though procedural, resolved lingering disputes over the conduct of the inquest and set the stage for what is expected to be a closely watched evidentiary phase in the coming weeks, as the court seeks to unravel the circumstances surrounding the tragic death.
Source: FirstWeeklyMagazine | Read the Full Story…
