The Lagos State High Court has scheduled October 12, 2026, to rule on an application by Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital to halt the coroner's inquest into the death of Nkanu, son of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie. Nkanu died on January 7, 2026, at Euracare, and his parents have alleged medical negligence. Euracare is seeking to quash decisions made in relation to the inquest and restrain the coroner from proceeding with the investigation.
Justice Aishat Opesanwo fixed the date after hearing arguments on the application filed by Eurapharma Care Services Nigeria Limited, operators of Euracare. The hospital's counsel, Prof Taiwo Osipitan, raised concerns over fair hearing, witness testimony, and the coroner's jurisdiction following Nkanu's cremation. Osipitan argued that the hospital and its personnel were being required to present their case before the family that made allegations of medical negligence had presented theirs.
The hospital is challenging the coroner's inquest, citing concerns over the order of witness testimony and the jurisdiction of the coroner. Osipitan argued that the proposed order of calling witnesses created a likelihood of breaching the applicant's right to a fair hearing. He also questioned whether the coroner retained jurisdiction to determine the cause of death after Nkanu's body had been cremated, relying on Sections 14 and 15 of the Lagos State Coroners System Law.
The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, urged the court to dismiss the application. Pedro argued that the coroner had statutory discretion to proceed with an inquest even where the body of the deceased had been destroyed or was unrecoverable. He relied on Section 21 of the Lagos State Coroners System Law, submitting that the provision empowered the coroner to conduct an inquest notwithstanding the destruction or unavailability of the body.
Counsel to the deceased's family, Kemi Pinheiro, also urged the court to dismiss the hospital's application, describing it as premature. Pinheiro argued that certiorari and prohibition could not be used to compel the High Court to assume jurisdiction over a special proceeding that the law had assigned to the coroner. He submitted that no reviewable decision existed in the record before the court.
The dispute arose from Nkanu's death on January 7, 2026, at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos. Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, have alleged prima facie breaches of the duty of care in the treatment of their son. Euracare has denied the allegations of medical negligence, describing them as inaccurate and unfounded.
The court's decision on October 12 will determine whether the coroner's inquest will proceed. The inquest aims to investigate the circumstances surrounding Nkanu's death. Key issues to be decided include the hospital's concerns over fair hearing and the coroner's jurisdiction.
Key points
- - The Lagos State High Court will rule on Euracare's application to halt the coroner's inquest into Nkanu's death on October 12, 2026. - Euracare is challenging the coroner's inquest, citing concerns over fair hearing and jurisdiction. - The hospital's application was opposed by the Lagos State Attorney-General and the deceased's family.
