Death of Chimamanda Adichie’s Son: AG, Coroner Ask Court to Dismiss Hospital’s Suit

The Attorney-General of Lagos State, Lawal Pedro (SAN), the Chief Coroner and the presiding Coroner handling the case have asked the Lagos State High Court to dismiss a suit filed by Eurapharma Care Services Nigeria Limited aimed at stopping the coroner’s inquest into the death of Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege.

The child, son of celebrated novelist Chimamanda Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege, reportedly died at the hospital on January 7, 2026.

The hospital had approached the High Court seeking judicial review and obtained an interim order suspending the inquest pending the determination of its application.

It is asking the court to quash decisions made by the Coroner’s Court through orders of certiorari and prohibition and to prevent any further proceedings in the inquiry.

But in a preliminary objection filed on June 5, 2026, the Attorney-General and other respondents contended that the suit lacks merit and was filed prematurely.

According to them, the applicant has not established grounds for the High Court to exercise its supervisory jurisdiction over the Coroner’s Court.

They argued that judicial review can only be invoked when a tribunal exceeds its legal authority, insisting that the Coroner acted within powers granted under the Lagos State Coroners System Law.

The respondents maintained that the Coroner is legally empowered to investigate suspicious deaths and that the inquest into Nkanu’s death falls within that mandate.

They further argued that claims relating to the alleged cremation of the deceased’s remains do not invalidate the Coroner’s authority.

Citing Section 21 of the Coroners System Law, they noted that an inquest can proceed even if a body has been destroyed or is unavailable.

The respondents also pointed out that issues relating to cremation and the absence of an autopsy report have not yet been determined by the Coroner’s Court.

As such, they argued that the hospital is asking the High Court to intervene on matters that remain unresolved at the lower level.

“The applicant seeks to invite this Honourable Court into a realm of speculation by asking the Court to intervene in respect of issues upon which the Coroner Court was yet to consider or deliver any ruling.”

Addressing the hospital’s concerns over witness procedures during the inquest, the respondents said there was no breach of fair hearing since the hospital had not been denied the opportunity to present evidence or cross-examine witnesses.

Relying on Supreme Court authorities, they maintained that the principles of natural justice had not been violated.

They urged Justice A.O. Opesanwo to dismiss the application entirely, arguing that it amounts to an abuse of court process and seeks to circumvent established legal procedures.

“The instant suit was filed to circumvent the laid-down procedure by law regarding death that happened in suspicious circumstances.”

The matter has been adjourned to September 8, 2026, for the hearing of all pending preliminary objections.

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