A Lagos State High Court has dismissed an application by Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital seeking to halt a coroner’s inquest into the death of Nkanu Esege, the 21-month-old son of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Ivara Esege.

Justice Aishat Opesanwo delivered the ruling on Monday, October 12, 2026, holding that the absence of the child’s remains following cremation did not, in itself, prevent the coroner from proceeding with the inquiry.

The hospital had approached the court to challenge the coroner’s jurisdiction and seek orders to quash decisions relating to the inquest and prevent further proceedings.

Nkanu died on January 7, 2026, at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos after receiving medical treatment.

His parents subsequently raised allegations of medical negligence concerning the care provided before his death. The hospital has denied wrongdoing, maintaining that its medical personnel acted in accordance with appropriate medical procedures.

Following the child’s death, the Lagos State Government initiated a coroner’s inquest to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Euracare subsequently sought judicial intervention to stop the inquiry, citing concerns about the availability of the deceased’s remains for a post-mortem examination and the procedure for receiving evidence.

The child’s family and the Lagos State Government opposed the application, arguing that the inquest could lawfully proceed despite the absence of the body.

With the High Court dismissing the hospital’s application, the coroner’s inquest is expected to proceed to examine the circumstances surrounding Nkanu’s death.

The inquest is separate from any criminal or professional disciplinary proceedings that may arise from the case.