The Coroner’s Court sitting at the Igbosere Magistrate Court, Lagos Island, has adjourned further hearing in the inquest into the death of 21-month-old Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege, to October 8, 2026.
Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji fixed the new date on Wednesday following submissions by counsel to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan, who informed the court that the Lagos State High Court had ordered a stay of proceedings pending the determination of a judicial review application filed by the hospital.
The inquest was initially scheduled to commence hearing before the intervention of the higher court.
Osipitan told the court that Euracare had approached the High Court to challenge the jurisdiction of the Coroner’s Court, arguing that the deceased child’s body had allegedly been cremated before the inquest was initiated.
He said the judicial review seeks to determine whether the court can proceed in the absence of the body.
According to him, the High Court granted leave for judicial review and ordered that proceedings before the Coroner’s Court be stayed until the substantive matter is determined.
Counsel to the Lagos State Attorney-General’s Office, Adebola Araba, told the court he had not yet seen the enrolled order, although Osipitan maintained that the office had already been served.
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Meanwhile, counsel to the deceased’s family, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), informed the court that four witness statements on oath had been filed and served on all parties.
The witnesses include the child’s father, Dr. Ivara Esege, as well as medical experts from the United States and Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
Pinheiro argued that the inquest should proceed, insisting that transparency was essential in the pursuit of justice.
He also urged the court to adjourn the matter until after the court vacation rather than indefinitely.
Counsel for Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, Efe Ize-Iyamu, confirmed receipt of the High Court order and said responses had already been filed, aligning partly with the position that proceedings were subject to the stay order.
After hearing arguments from all parties, Magistrate Adetunji adjourned the matter to October 8, 2026, pending further judicial direction.