Proceedings in the inquest into the death of Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, were halted on Tuesday after parties failed to comply with court directives.
The hearing, held at the JIC Taylor Courthouse in Igbosere, could not move forward as none of the involved parties filed or exchanged their witnesses’ statements as earlier agreed during the February 25, 2026 sitting.
Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji expressed displeasure over the delay, noting that the development disrupted the day’s proceedings.
“This matter was slated for evidence, but none of the parties has complied with the directive of this court to file and exchange witnesses’ statements on oath,” she said.
Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, which was expected to begin presenting its case, was represented by its lead counsel, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), appearing for the first time. He argued that there had been no clear instruction on which party should file first.
“My Lord, there was no specific order as to who should file first,” he stated.
Osipitan also informed the court of plans to file an application requesting a postmortem examination to determine the cause of death, alongside a request for the release of the child’s medical records from his parents.
“We intend to bring an application for a postmortem examination and for the release of the deceased’s medical records, in the interest of fair hearing, before the hospital opens its case,” he added.
However, the coroner rejected the request, stressing that the issue of an autopsy had already been addressed in earlier proceedings.
“The issue of a postmortem has been considered by this court, and the law permits this inquest to proceed without same,” Adetunji ruled.
She further noted that Euracare’s legal team, having access to past records, could obtain any additional information through lawful channels without delaying the process.
“The counsel has access to the records of proceedings and may apply for any further information by way of subpoena or other lawful means without stalling this process,” she said.
The magistrate emphasised that the inquest must not be delayed, pointing out that its purpose is to uncover the truth and provide closure for the family.
“This court will not allow the proceedings to be stalled. The inquest is inquisitorial and not adversarial, and it is aimed at ascertaining the truth, helping the family heal, and preventing a recurrence,” she added.
Legal representatives for the Esege family and Atlantis Paediatric Hospital assured the court that their witnesses’ statements were ready and would be filed promptly, while counsel for the Lagos State Government noted that expert testimony would depend on the nature of evidence presented.
The case was subsequently adjourned to May 5 and 20, and June 3, 2026, for continuation.
Nkanu Adichie-Esege had been admitted to Euracare Hospital on January 6, 2026, after being referred from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital for urgent care. He passed away in the early hours of January 7.
Following the incident, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria found a prima facie case of medical negligence against three doctors linked to the treatment.
