Euracare is challenging the inquest into Chimamanda Adichie’s son Nkanu’s death. The Lagos High Court will rule on October 12, 2026.
Hospital challenges coroner’s jurisdiction
Eurapharma Care Services Nigeria Limited, operators of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, has asked the Lagos State High Court to stop the inquest into the death of Nkanu, son of celebrated author Chimamanda Adichie. Justice Aishat Opesanwo, sitting at the Lagos State High Court in Osborne Foreshore, Ikoyi, fixed October 12, 2026, to rule on the application.
The hospital is challenging the jurisdiction of Coroner Atinuke Adetunji to continue the inquest. Euracare wants the court to quash decisions already made in connection with the investigation. It also wants an order preventing the coroner from proceeding with the inquest. The hospital further challenged the proposed order of witnesses, arguing that it should not have to present its case before Nkanu’s family.
Euracare raises concerns over cremation
Euracare’s counsel, Prof Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), argued that the cremation of Nkanu’s body affects the coroner’s jurisdiction. He relied on Sections 14 and 15 of the Lagos State Coroners System Law. According to him, determining who died, where the person died and the cause of death normally requires a post-mortem examination.
Osipitan argued that cremation made such an examination impossible. He said determining the cause of death without one could amount to speculation. The SAN also argued that Section 31 does not cover a situation where the body no longer exists. He told the court that the Chief Pathologist of Lagos State neither conducted a post-mortem examination nor authorised the cremation. Osipitan also described the inquest as “accusatorial in substance” because the family had alleged medical negligence.
Lagos government and family oppose application
However, Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the application. Pedro relied on Section 21 of the Coroners System Law. He argued that the coroner can conduct an inquest even when a body has been destroyed or is unavailable.
The Attorney-General also described the hospital’s application as premature. He noted that the coroner had not taken any evidence when Euracare filed the case. Meanwhile, Nkanu’s family lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), also urged the court to reject the application. Pinheiro argued that the inquest is a fact-finding process and does not determine criminal guilt. He cited Sections 21 and 31(1), which he said allow the coroner to proceed without a corpse for inspection.
Court fixes October 12 for ruling
Pinheiro further argued that there was no reviewable decision for the High Court to examine. He said the coroner’s findings would be submitted to relevant government authorities, including the Attorney-General and the Director of Public Prosecutions, for any further action.
Nkanu died on January 7, 2026, at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos. His parents, Chimamanda Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege, had alleged prima facie breaches of the duty of care during their son’s treatment.
Euracare has denied the allegations, describing them as inaccurate and unfounded. Justice Opesanwo will rule on the hospital’s application on October 12, 2026.
