The ongoing inquest into the death of Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of celebrated writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, was unable to proceed on Tuesday due to non-compliance with court directives by involved parties.
The session, held at the JIC Taylor Courthouse in Igbosere, had been scheduled for Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital to begin presenting its witnesses. However, the process was stalled after all parties failed to submit and exchange their sworn witness statements as previously agreed.
Presiding magistrate, Atinuke Adetunji, expressed frustration over the situation, stating that the failure had disrupted the planned proceedings.
“This matter was slated for evidence, but none of the parties has complied with the directive of this court to file and exchange witnesses’ statements on oath,” she said.
Representing Euracare, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN) argued that there was no clear directive specifying which party should initiate the filing process.
“My Lord, there was no specific order as to who should file first,” he told the court.
He also revealed plans to request a postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death, alongside an application compelling the deceased’s parents to release his medical records.
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“We intend to bring an application for a postmortem examination and for the release of the deceased’s medical records, in the interest of fair hearing, before the hospital opens its case,” he said.
However, the magistrate dismissed the request, reiterating that the matter had already been settled in earlier proceedings.
“The issue of a postmortem has been considered by this court, and the law permits this inquest to proceed without same,” she ruled.
Adetunji added that any additional information required by the hospital’s legal team could be obtained through appropriate legal channels without halting the inquest.
“The counsel has access to the records of proceedings and may apply for any further information by way of subpoena or other lawful means without stalling this process,” she noted.
She stressed that the court would not allow unnecessary delays, explaining that the inquest is aimed at uncovering the truth and providing closure for the grieving family.
“This court will not allow the proceedings to be stalled. The inquest is inquisitorial and not adversarial, and it is aimed at ascertaining the truth, helping the family heal, and preventing a recurrence,” she stated.
Counsel representing the family and Atlantis Paediatric Hospital assured the court that their witness statements were ready for submission, while the Lagos State Government’s counsel indicated that expert witnesses may be called depending on how the case unfolds.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to May 5, May 20, and June 3, 2026, for further hearings.
Nkanu was admitted to Euracare Hospital on January 6, 2026, after being referred from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital for urgent treatment. He died the following day.
The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria has since established a prima facie case of medical negligence against three doctors involved in his care.