Court rejects hospital’s attempt to halt inquest into Adichie’s son’s death

The Lagos State High Court has struck out an application by Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital seeking to halt the coroner’s inquest into the death of Nkanu Esege, son of Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

According to PUNCH, Justice Aishat Opesanwo delivered the ruling on Monday, October 12, rejecting the hospital’s argument that the cremation of the deceased’s body invalidated the proceedings.

Nkanu died on January 7, 2026, following medical procedures.

The hospital challenged the coroner’s jurisdiction and raised concerns about evidence collection and fair hearing.

However, the judge ruled that the inquest was a statutory obligation and could proceed despite the absence of the body.

“I am not persuaded by the submission made by the applicant’s counsel that the cremation of the body means the inquest and its conclusion will be predicated on speculation and conjecture,” she said.

Justice Opesanwo emphasised that the inquiry was intended to establish the circumstances surrounding the death, not determine criminal liability.