Chimamanda Adichie Asks Court to Dismiss Euracare Suit Over Son’s Death Inquest

Chimamanda Adichie and her husband, Ivara Esege, have asked the Lagos State High Court to dismiss a suit by Eurapharma Care Services, operators of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, seeking to halt the coroner’s inquest into the death of their son, Nkanu Adichie-Esege.

The couple’s lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, described the hospital’s application as premature during proceedings before Justice Aishat Opesanwo in Ikoyi. He argued that the coroner had not made any finding that could be reviewed or quashed by the High Court.

Eurapharma is seeking orders of certiorari to quash decisions already made in connection with the inquest and prohibition to restrain Coroner Atinuke Adetunji from continuing with the proceedings. The hospital is challenging both the procedure adopted during the inquest and the coroner’s jurisdiction. Channels Television

One major issue before the court is whether Euracare and its personnel should be required to begin presenting evidence before Nkanu’s family has led its case. The hospital has argued that such an arrangement could affect its right to a fair hearing.

The hospital has also challenged the continuation of the inquest following the cremation of Nkanu’s remains. Its lawyers have argued that the absence of the body raises questions about the coroner’s jurisdiction and the ability to conduct a post-mortem examination.

Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, has urged the court to dismiss Eurapharma’s application. He argued that the Lagos State Coroners System Law gives the coroner discretion to proceed with an inquest where a body has been destroyed or is unavailable.

Nkanu died on January 7, 2026, at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos while undergoing medical treatment. His parents have sought an inquest into the circumstances surrounding his death, while Euracare has denied allegations of medical negligence. The Guardian Nigeria
Justice Aishat Opesanwo has reserved October 12, 2026, to rule on Eurapharma’s application. Until then, the dispute over whether the coroner’s proceedings should continue remains before the Lagos State High Court.