A coroner’s inquest into the death of Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of celebrated Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has been adjourned to May 5, following procedural lapses by parties involved in the case.

Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji, presiding over the inquest instituted by the Lagos State Judiciary, announced the adjournment on Tuesday at the JIC Taylor Courthouse in Igbosere, Lagos.

The matter, which was previously heard at the Magistrates’ Court in Yaba, was scheduled for Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital to commence its defence by calling witnesses.

This followed earlier agreements among all parties regarding the sequence of evidence presentation.

However, proceedings were stalled after the court observed that none of the parties complied with its directive to file and exchange witness statements on oath ahead of the April 14 sitting.

Appearing for Euracare for the first time, Professor Taiwo Osipitan (SAN) informed the court that there was no clear directive indicating which party was to file its witness statements first.

He also disclosed plans to file an interlocutory application seeking a postmortem examination to ascertain the cause of death, alongside a request for access to the deceased’s medical records from his parents.

Osipitan argued that these steps were essential to guarantee a fair hearing before the hospital opened its defence.

In her ruling, Magistrate Adetunji rejected the move, noting that the issue of conducting an autopsy had already been resolved at an earlier sitting.

She referenced submissions by counsel to the family, Professor Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), who had relied on provisions of the Coroner Systems Law permitting an inquest to proceed without a postmortem.

The magistrate emphasised that the position had been accepted by both the court and all parties and should not be revisited in a manner that could delay proceedings.

She further held that Euracare had full access to records of previous proceedings and could obtain any additional documents through lawful means, including subpoenas.

Adetunji urged all parties to comply strictly with court directives and avoid shifting responsibility, stressing that coroner inquests are primarily fact-finding processes aimed at uncovering the truth, providing closure for bereaved families, and preventing similar incidents.

Counsel to the family and Atlantis Paediatric Hospital, Adeniyi Kazeem (SAN), indicated that their witness statements were ready and would be filed promptly.

Counsel for the Lagos State Government, Adebola Araba, noted that the need for expert witnesses would depend on the nature of the evidence presented during the proceedings.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter to May 5 and May 20, and further to June 3, for continuation of the hearing.

Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege was reportedly admitted to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital on January 6, 2026, after being referred from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital for urgent medical attention. He died in the early hours of January 7.

Following preliminary investigations, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) established a prima facie case of medical negligence against three doctors, including Euracare’s Medical Director, Dr Tosin Majekodunmi; anesthesiologist Dr. Titus Ogundare; and Chief Medical Director of Atlantis Paediatric Hospital, Dr Atinuke Uwajeh.

The council also issued interim suspension orders against the affected doctors pending the outcome of formal disciplinary proceedings. (Nigerian Tribune)

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