...Euracare Secures Stay Order; Coroner Adjourns to October Pending Judicial Review
A coroner’s inquest into the death of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s 21-month-old son Nkanu was stalled on Wednesday after Euracare Hospital obtained a Lagos High Court order halting proceedings.
The matter came before Coroner Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji at Court 9, Igbosere Magisterial District, Yaba, Lagos, and was scheduled for the commencement of witness’ testimony.
Counsel to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Professor Taiwo Osipitan, SAN, told the court that the hospital had initiated judicial review proceedings challenging, among other issues, the jurisdiction of the Coroner’s Court to conduct the inquest in the absence of the deceased’s body.
He disclosed that the High Court had granted leave for the judicial review application and ordered that the leave operate as a stay of proceedings pending the determination of the suit.
The senior advocate also informed the court that although the Lagos State Attorney-General’s Office denied seeing the originating processes form the High Court, proof of service was available.
Responding on behalf of the family, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, confirmed receipt of both the originating processes and the High Court order.
While acknowledging the obligation of all parties to comply with court orders, he informed the Coroner that the family had already filed four witness statements on oath, including that of Dr. Ivara Esege, as well as statements from independent medical experts from Nigeria and the United States, who are expected to testify at the inquest.
Prof. Pinheiro urged the court not to adjourn the matter indefinitely but to a definite date after the court vacation to enable parties report on developments in the High Court proceedings.
He also Highlighted the need for transparency and public confidence in the fact-finding process, saying:
“He who is innocent does not fear an open inquest.”
Counsel representing Atlantis Paediatric Hospital supported the request for a definite adjournment rather than an indefinite postponement.
Following submissions by counsel, the Coroner adjourned the matter until October 8, 2026, for a report on the status of the High Court proceedings.
Attention has now shifted from the Coroner’s Court to the Lagos State High Court, whose eventual decision will determine whether the fact-finding exercise into the death of Nkanu Adichie-Esege can proceed.
