COURT TO RULE ON HOSPITAL’S BID TO HALT ADICHIE SON’S INQUEST

The Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikoyi has fixed October 12, 2026, to rule on an application by Eurapharma Care Services Nigeria Limited, operators of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, seeking to stop the coroner’s inquest into the death of Nkanu, son of Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie.

Justice Aishat Opesanwo fixed the date after hearing arguments from the hospital, the Lagos State Government and the deceased’s family.

The hospital is challenging the jurisdiction of the Coroner, Atinuke Adetunji, and is asking the court to quash decisions already made in relation to the inquest and prevent the proceedings from continuing.

Euracare’s counsel, Prof Taiwo Osipitan, argued that the cremation of the deceased’s body raised questions about the coroner’s ability to determine the cause of death. He also challenged the proposed order of witness testimony, arguing that requiring the hospital to present its witnesses first could affect its right to a fair hearing.

However, Lagos State Attorney-General Lawal Pedro and counsel to the family, Kemi Pinheiro, urged the court to dismiss the application. They argued that the coroner has the legal authority to proceed with an inquest even where a body is unavailable.

Nkanu died on January 7, 2026, at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos. His parents have alleged breaches of the duty of care, while the hospital has denied the allegations.

The court will deliver its ruling on October 12.