The Lagos State High Court has dismissed an application by Eurapharma Care Services Nigeria Limited, operators of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, seeking to halt an inquest into the death of Nkanu Esege, the 21-month-old son of Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
The ruling clears the way for the coroner’s inquest to proceed as authorities seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the toddler’s death on January 7, 2026.
Delivering judgment on Monday, October 12, 2026, Justice Aishat Opesanwo held that the absence of the child’s body following cremation did not prevent the coroner’s court from conducting the inquiry.
The hospital had challenged the continuation of the proceedings, arguing that the absence of the body for a post-mortem examination could result in conclusions based on speculation.
It also raised concerns about the procedure for receiving evidence from medical personnel and other parties involved in the matter.
In dismissing the application, Justice Opesanwo explained that a coroner’s inquest is primarily a fact-finding process designed to establish the circumstances surrounding a death.
The judge distinguished the purpose of an inquest from that of a criminal or civil trial, noting that the inquiry is not intended to determine criminal liability, apportion blame or punish any individual or organisation.
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The court’s position means that the cremation of Nkanu’s remains does not, in itself, deprive the coroner’s court of the authority to proceed with the investigation.
Inquest Into Nkanu’s Death To Continue
The decision allows the inquest into the toddler’s death to move forward despite the objections raised by the hospital.
The proceedings are expected to examine the available evidence and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
However, the dismissal of the hospital’s application does not amount to a finding of wrongdoing against Euracare or any other party. The inquest remains a fact-finding exercise aimed at clarifying how the child died.
