The coroner’s inquest into the death of Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of internationally acclaimed writer Chimamanda Adichie, has been adjourned to May 5 for definite hearing.
Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji, who is presiding over the inquest ordered by the Lagos State Judiciary, announced the adjournment on Tuesday at the JIC Taylor Courthouse, Igbosere.
The proceedings had earlier been held at the Magistrates’ Court, Yaba.
At the last sitting on February 25, the court had scheduled Tuesday’s hearing for Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital—one of the parties to the inquest—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 by all counsel before the April 14 sitting, with evidence to be taken in a set order: Euracare first, followed by the family of the deceased, and then Atlantis Paediatric Hospital.
However, proceedings stalled on Tuesday after the court observed that none of the parties had complied with the directive to file and exchange witness statements.
Euracare’s new lead counsel, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), appearing for the first time, told the court there had been no clear order on which party should file its witness statements first.
He also informed the court of an intended interlocutory application—yet to be filed, seeking an order for 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 opens its case.
In response, Magistrate Adetunji noted that the issue of autopsy had already been addressed at the previous sitting.
She referenced submissions by counsel to the Esege family, Prof. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), who had cited Section 21(1) of the Coroner Systems Law, which allows an inquest to proceed even without an autopsy.
The position, she noted, had already been accepted by the court and parties.
The coroner further held that Euracare had been granted access to previous proceedings and could obtain additional materials through subpoenas or other lawful means, adding that such requests should not delay the hearing.
She also emphasised that Euracare initiated the request for the inquest and had expressed readiness to fully participate in order to establish the truth.
Magistrate Adetunji urged all parties to cooperate with the process, comply with timelines, and avoid shifting blame, stressing that coroner inquests are inquisitorial rather than adversarial.
She added that the process is intended to uncover facts, provide closure to the grieving family, and prevent similar occurrences.
Counsel for the Esege family and Atlantis Hospital, Adeniyi Kazeem (SAN), both indicated that their witness statements were ready and would be filed accordingly.
Counsel for the Lagos State Government, Adebola Araba, stated that the nature of testimony presented would determine whether expert witnesses would be called.
The matter was adjourned to May 5 and May 20, and subsequently June 3, for continuation of hearing.
Master Nkanu was reportedly admitted to Euracare Hospital on January 6, 2026, after being referred from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital for urgent medical intervention.
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 Euracare; 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.
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