Lagos Hospital Moves to Halt Inquest Into Chimamanda Adichie’s Son’s Death

A Lagos High Court will rule on October 12, 2026, on an application by Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital to stop the coroner’s inquest into the death of Nkanu, son of author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege. The hospital argues that the coroner lacks jurisdiction because Nkanu’s body was cremated, making a post-mortem examination impossible. It also contends that being asked to present witnesses before the family could undermine its right to a fair hearing. The Lagos State Government and Nkanu’s family oppose the application. They argue that the state’s Coroners System Law allows an inquest to continue even where a body is unavailable, and stress that the process is meant to establish facts rather than determine criminal liability. Nkanu died at the Lagos hospital on January 7, 2026. His parents allege breaches in the duty of care during his treatment, while Euracare denies any medical negligence. The court has not determined liability.

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