Coroner’s Inquest into Death of Adichie’s Son Continues in Lagos

The coroner’s inquest into the death of Master Nkanu AdichieEsege continued today before Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji at Coroner Court 9, Igbosere District, now sitting at the Magistrate Court, Igbosere, Lagos.

The family was represented by a team led by Prof. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, alongside Mr. Adeyinka Aderemi, SAN, and several associates.

The Office of the Honourable Attorney General of Lagos State was represented by Adebola Araba. Atlantis Paediatric Hospital was represented by Prof. Kazeem Adeniji, SAN, while Euracare Hospital was represented by Prof. Taiwo Osipitan, SAN.

Preliminary Issues

The day’s proceedings were dominated by procedural disputes after counsel for Atlantis and Euracare announced changes in representation.

Central to the debate was a letter filed by Euracare seeking to vary the agreed order of leading evidence.

Counsel for the family objected, noting that the letter had not been properly served. The coroner stated that the letter had been overtaken by events and urged parties to improve communication.

Prof. Osipitan SAN argued that Euracare lacked sufficient witness statements to proceed and suggested the family should lead first. Prof. Pinheiro SAN countered, reminding the Court of the prior agreement that Euracare, as the initiating party, would commence, followed by the family and then Atlantis.

Magistrate Adetunji reaffirmed this sequence, stressing that the inquest is inquisitorial in nature and aimed at establishing the circumstances of death rather than apportioning blame.

The coroner directed all parties to file and exchange witness statements, with liberty to file rebuttals.

Euracare hinted at an application for an autopsy report, but the coroner declined to delay proceedings for an unfiled application, noting that under the Coroner’s Law, an inquest may proceed even without a body or autopsy.

The AttorneyGeneral’s representative added that while a pathologist is usually called, this may not be necessary in the present case.

Adjournment

No oral evidence was taken at this sitting. The matter was adjourned to May 5, May 20, and June 3, 2026. The Court reaffirmed that Euracare is expected to commence the presentation of evidence, followed by the family and then Atlantis. Should Euracare fail to proceed, the family will be at liberty to present their witnesses.

The continuation of the inquest clarified procedural disputes, reaffirmed the agreed order of evidence, and set firm timelines for the filing of witness statements.

The coroner emphasized cooperation among parties to ensure the inquest progresses without further delay.