Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji of the Lagos State Judiciary has adjourned the coroner’s inquest into the death of Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of internationally acclaimed writer Chimamanda Adichie, to May 5 for a definite hearing due to the failure of the parties to submit witness testimony.
In accordance with agreements reached by all parties, the court set Tuesday’s hearing for Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, one of the parties to the inquest, to begin its defense by calling witnesses at the most recent sitting on February 25.
The coroner had also directed that witness statements on oath be filed and exchanged by all counsel before the April 14 sitting, with evidence to be taken in a set order: Euracare first, followed by the family of the deceased, and then Atlantis Paediatric Hospital.
However, after the court noted that none of the parties had followed the order to submit and exchange witness testimonies, the proceedings were put on hold on Tuesday. Euracare’s new lead counsel, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), appearing for the first time, told the court there had been no clear order on which party should file its witness statements first.
He also informed the court of an intended interlocutory application—yet to be filed, seeking an order for a postmortem examination to determine the cause of death, as well as access to the deceased’s medical records from his parents, Dr. Ivara Esege and Chimamanda Adichie-Esege.
He maintained that these actions were required to guarantee a fair trial prior to the hospital presenting its case. Magistrate Adetunji responded by pointing out that the autopsy problem had already been discussed at the prior meeting.
She referenced submissions by counsel to the Esege family, Prof. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), who had cited Section 21(1) of the Coroner Systems Law, which allows an inquest to proceed even without an autopsy.
The court and the parties have already approved the stance, she pointed out. The coroner further held that Euracare had been granted access to previous proceedings and could obtain additional materials through subpoenas or other lawful means, adding that such requests should not delay the hearing.
She also emphasised that Euracare initiated the request for the inquest and had expressed readiness to fully participate in order to establish the truth.
All parties were urged by Magistrate Adetunji to assist with the procedure, comply with timelines, and avoid shifting blame, stressing that coroner inquests are inquisitorial rather than adversarial.
She added that the process is intended to uncover facts, provide closure to the grieving family, and prevent similar occurrences.
Counsel for the Esege family and Atlantis Hospital, Adeniyi Kazeem (SAN), both indicated that their witness statements were ready and would be filed accordingly. Counsel for the Lagos State Government, Adebola Araba, stated that the nature of testimony presented would determine whether expert witnesses would be called.
The case was postponed for further hearings on May 5, May 20, and June 3. Master Nkanu was reportedly admitted to Euracare Hospital on January 6, 2026, after being referred from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital for urgent medical intervention.
He passed away in the early hours of January 7. Following an investigation, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) established a prima facie case of medical negligence against three doctors: Dr. Tosin Majekodunmi, Medical Director of Euracare; Dr. Titus Ogundare, an anaesthesiologist at Euracare; and Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh, Chief Medical Director of Atlantis Paediatric Hospital.
The council also issued interim suspension orders for the doctors, awaiting the result of formal disciplinary processes.
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