The magistrate, Atinuke Adetunji, on Tuesday adjourned the inquest into the death of Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of renowned author Chimamanda Adichie, after proceedings were stalled due to the failure of parties to file and exchange witnesses’ statements as earlier directed.
The inquest, now sitting at the JIC Taylor Courthouse, Igbosere, had been scheduled for Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital to open its case by calling witnesses.
However, the hearing could not proceed as none of the parties complied with the coroner’s directive to frontload their witnesses’ statements, in line with an earlier agreement reached by all parties on February 25, 2026.
Expressing dissatisfaction, the coroner noted that the development had truncated 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,” Adetunji said.
Euracare’s lead counsel, Prof Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), who appeared for the first time in the matter, argued that there was no clear directive on which party should file first.
“My Lord, there was no specific order as to who should file first,” he submitted.
He further informed the court of an intended application seeking a postmortem examination to determine the cause of death, as well as an order compelling the deceased’s parents, Dr Ivara Esege and Chimamanda Adichie-Esege, to release the child’s medical records.
“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.
But the coroner declined to entertain the request, noting that the issue of an autopsy had already been addressed at a previous sitting.
She recalled that counsel for the Esege family, Prof Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), had relied on Section 21(1) of the Coroner Systems Law to argue that an inquest could proceed without a postmortem, a position earlier adopted by the court and other parties.
“The issue of a postmortem has been considered by this court, and the law permits this inquest to proceed without same,” the magistrate stated.
She added that Euracare’s counsel, having obtained records of previous proceedings, could seek further information through appropriate legal means without delaying the inquest.
“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 coroner further noted that Euracare was the party that initiated the inquest and had previously indicated readiness to participate fully.
“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 held.
Adetunji urged all parties to cooperate with the process and ensure the timely filing of all necessary documents.
Pinheiro (SAN) and counsel representing Atlantis Paediatric Hospital, Mr Adeniyi Kazeem (SAN), informed the court that their witnesses’ statements were ready and would be filed promptly.
Counsel for the Lagos State Government, Adebola Araba, also told the court that the nature of the evidence presented would determine the need for expert witnesses.
Following the exchanges, the coroner adjourned the matter to May 5 and 20, and June 3, 2026, for further hearing.
Nkanu was admitted to Euracare Hospital on January 6, 2026, after being referred from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital for urgent medical procedures. He died in the early hours of January 7, 2026.
Subsequently, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria established a prima facie case of medical negligence against three doctors: Dr Tosin Majekodunmi, Medical Director of Euracare; Dr Titus Ogundare, an anaesthesiologist at the hospital; and Dr Atinuke Uwajeh, Chief Medical Director of Atlantis Paediatric Hospital.
