Lagos, Nigeria – The much-anticipated inquest into the untimely passing of Nkanu Adichie-Esege, the 22-month-old son of internationally acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege, has encountered further delays. Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji, presiding over the Lagos State Judiciary-ordered inquest, has now set May 5 as the next hearing date, urging all parties to comply with court directives to ensure progress.
The proceedings, initially held at the Magistrates’ Court in Yaba, have since relocated to the JIC Taylor Courthouse, Igbosere, Lagos Island, reflecting the high-profile nature and gravity of the case.
Procedural Stalls and Renewed Autopsy Debate
At the last scheduled sitting on February 25, the coroner had adjourned to April 14, expecting Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital to commence its evidence presentation. This was predicated on an agreement that all parties would file and exchange their witness statements on oath before the April date. However, at the resumption of proceedings, the court observed a critical lapse: none of the counsel had fulfilled this crucial directive, effectively stalling the day's events.
Adding a new dimension to the proceedings, Euracare’s new lead counsel, Professor Taiwo Osipitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) making his first appearance, raised significant interlocutory applications. Professor Osipitan sought an order for a postmortem examination on the deceased’s body to definitively establish the cause of death. He also requested that Nkanu’s parents, Dr. Ivara Esege and Chimamanda Adichie-Esege, release the child’s comprehensive medical records, arguing that these requests are fundamental to Euracare receiving a fair hearing before opening its case.
However, Magistrate Adetunji noted that the request for an autopsy had been thoroughly addressed in a prior sitting. At that time, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, representing the Esege family, had cited Section 21(1) of the Coroner Systems Law, which permits an inquest to proceed even in the absence of an autopsy. This position had been previously accepted by the coroner and all other parties involved. The Magistrate further clarified that Euracare’s new counsel had already received records of earlier proceedings and could obtain additional information via subpoena or other legitimate means without necessitating a halt to the inquest.
Coroner Emphasizes Inquisitorial Nature and Cooperation
Magistrate Adetunji reiterated the court’s expectation for full cooperation from all parties, stressing the importance of timely filing of all necessary processes before the next adjourned date. She underscored the inquisitorial, rather than adversarial, nature of the inquest, explaining its primary objectives:
- To facilitate healing for the grieving family.
- To prevent similar tragic occurrences in the future.
On their part, Professor Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, also a new lead counsel, representing Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, confirmed that their witnesses’ statements are prepared and will be filed post-hearing. Similarly, Adebola Araba, counsel for the Lagos State government, indicated that the nature of testimonies presented would guide the determination of expert witnesses to be called.
Timeline of Tragedy and Allegations of Negligence
The tragic events unfolded when Master Nkanu was admitted to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital on January 6, 2026, having been referred from Atlantis Pediatric Hospital for urgent procedures. He regrettably passed away in the early hours of January 7, 2026.
Following a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Nkanu’s death, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) established a prima facie case of medical negligence against three medical practitioners. These doctors have also been issued interim suspension orders from medical practice in Nigeria, pending the conclusive determination of their case by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal. The implicated medical professionals are:
- Dr. Tosin Majekodunmi (Medical Director, Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital)
- Dr. Titus Ogundare (Anaesthesiologist, Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital)
- Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh (Chief Medical Director, Atlantis Paediatric Hospital)
Upcoming Sessions
With the current procedural hurdles, further hearings in the inquest have been scheduled for May 5, May 20, and June 3, indicating a prolonged legal journey towards unraveling the full truth behind Nkanu Adichie-Esege’s tragic death.