CORONER ADJOURNS INQUEST INTO DEATH OF CHIMAMANDA ADICHIE’S SON TO MAY 5
By Aishat Momoh
A coroner’s court sitting in Lagos has adjourned proceedings in the inquest into the death of Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, to May 5.
The inquest, presided over by Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji, was stalled on Tuesday following the failure of parties to comply with earlier directives to file and exchange witnesses’ statements on oath.
The proceedings, now being held at the JIC Taylor Courthouse, had earlier taken place at the Magistrates’ Court in Yaba during preliminary sessions.
At the previous sitting on February 25, the court had directed that evidence be taken in sequence, beginning with Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, followed by the family of the deceased and Atlantis Paediatric Hospital. Parties were also instructed to file and exchange all witness statements before April 14.
However, when the matter resumed, the coroner observed that none of the counsel had complied with this directive, halting the scheduled commencement of evidence by Euracare.
Euracare’s new lead counsel, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), appearing for the first time, told the court that 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 a request for the release of the child’s medical records by his parents.
Osipitan argued that these requests should be resolved before Euracare opens its defence, citing the need for fair hearing.
But Magistrate Adetunji rejected the move, noting that the issue of an autopsy had already been addressed at the previous sitting. She referenced the position of the family’s counsel, Prof. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), who had argued that under Section 21(1) of the Coroner Systems Law, an inquest could proceed without a postmortem, an interpretation earlier accepted by the court and other parties.
The coroner further stated that Euracare’s counsel had access to previous records and could obtain additional information through appropriate legal channels such as subpoenas, without delaying proceedings.
She emphasised that Euracare, which initially requested the inquest, had indicated readiness to fully participate in uncovering the truth.
Magistrate Adetunji urged all parties to cooperate and comply promptly with court directives, stressing that the inquest is inquisitorial rather than adversarial, aimed at establishing facts, aiding the grieving family, and preventing future occurrences.
Counsel to the Esege family and Atlantis Paediatric Hospital informed the court that their witness statements were ready and would be filed accordingly, while the state government’s counsel, Adebola Araba, noted that the nature of testimonies would determine the need for expert witnesses.
Further hearings have been scheduled for May 5, May 20, and June 3.
Master Nkanu, aged 22 months, was admitted to Euracare on January 6, 2026, after being referred from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital for urgent medical procedures. He died in the early hours of January 7.
Following investigations, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria established a prima facie case of medical negligence against three doctors, including Euracare’s Medical Director, Dr. Tosin Majekodunmi; anaesthesiologist Dr. Titus Ogundare; and the Chief Medical Director of Atlantis Paediatric Hospital, Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh.
The affected doctors have since been placed on interim suspension pending the outcome of formal disciplinary proceedings.
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