A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has dismissed an application by Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital seeking to stop 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 dismissed the hospital’s application on Monday, October 12, 2026, striking out its originating motion for writs of Certiorari and Prohibition.

The judge held that the hospital’s application was based on a fundamental misconception of the nature, jurisdiction and operation of a coroner’s court.

SEE MORE: Tragedy Strikes As Chimamanda Adichie Loses One of Her Twin Boys

Justice Opesanwo explained that Section 15(2) of the Lagos State Coroner’s System Law 2007 makes an inquest compulsory for a death in custody occurring within a medical facility.

She rejected the hospital’s argument that the cremation of the child and the absence of his body for post-mortem analysis deprived the coroner of jurisdiction.

According to the judge, the location where the death occurred, rather than the physical presence of a corpse during proceedings, determines the coroner’s authority.

The court further clarified that a coroner’s inquest is a fact-finding exercise aimed at establishing who died, how the death occurred, and when and where it happened, rather than a criminal or civil trial to determine liability or punish anyone.

“A coroner’s inquest is a fact-finding inquiry… It is not a trial. No one is on trial in a coroner’s court. Unlike other courts—whether civil or criminal—there is no claimant, prosecution, or defence,” Justice Opesanwo stated.

The judge also ruled that the coroner has statutory discretion to determine the sequence in which witness statements and evidence are presented.

She added that judicial review cannot be used to truncate a process mandated by state law.

Why Euracare Sought to Stop the Inquest

Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital had approached the High Court after the Lagos State Government activated a coroner’s inquest to investigate the circumstances surrounding the toddler’s death.

The hospital argued that proceeding without the child’s body for post-mortem analysis could lead to speculative conclusions and waste state resources.

It also contended that directing its medical personnel to present evidence first violated its constitutional right to a fair hearing under Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

However, the court rejected the hospital’s application, paving the way for the inquest to proceed.

Background to Nkanu Esege’s Death

Nkanu Esege died on January 7, 2026, at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos.

Following his death, his parents accused the hospital of gross medical negligence, alleging that an excessive dose of sedatives and the denial of oxygen led to cardiac arrest.

The hospital has maintained that the child arrived at its facility critically ill and received care consistent with standard medical protocols.

With the dismissal of the hospital’s application, the coroner’s inquest is expected to proceed to examine the circumstances surrounding the toddler’s death.

Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has celebrated Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his 41st birthday, describing him as “the best scion that any father could wish for.”

In his birthday message on Monday, Omokri praised Seyi Tinubu for his relationship with his father, President Bola Tinubu, and his contributions to the City Boy Movement and activities associated with the Renewed Hope agenda.

ALSO READ:I’ve Never Benefited From Seyi Tinubu as A Friend — Lege Miami Opens Up

Omokri described the celebrant as “a bulwark against siege,” while highlighting what he characterised as his role in the movement’s activities and achievements.

“As a liege to your father, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, you have been a bulwark against siege,” he wrote.

He added that Seyi Tinubu was not just a contemporary figure but had also contributed to the success associated with the Renewed Hope agenda.

“You are not just contemporary; you have also been an accessory to the greatness and success of every anniversary in the Renewed Hope supremacy, with more than an honorary mention in the CBM glossary and history,” Omokri stated.

Reflecting on the City Boy Movement, Omokri recalled hoisting its flag on Mount Kilimanjaro, saying the movement had continued to bring what he described as equity, joy and improvement.

“As I said when I hoisted the CBM flag on Mount Kilimanjaro, because of you, the City Boy Movement has brought and continues to bring equity, joy and improvement,” he wrote.

Omokri also included a Yoruba expression in his tribute, stating: “Omo ologo ko le bi omo ti o l’ogo!”

He further reflected on the significance of knowing one’s birth date and purpose in life, saying Seyi Tinubu possessed both forms of knowledge.

“Very few people ever achieve two of the greatest knowledges: knowing when they were born and why they were birthed. To God be the glory, you know both,” he stated.

Referring to the celebrant’s 41st birthday, which he said was coming up the following day, Omokri extended his wishes on behalf of himself and his family.

“Therefore, on the occasion of your forty-first birthday, which comes up tomorrow, my family and I wish you a happy birthday and extend to you our warmest right hand of fellowship,” he wrote.

He concluded the message with prayers for Seyi Tinubu, his parents and his children.

“May God bless the parents who bore you and the children you begat,” Omokri stated.
The birthday message was signed by Reno Omokri.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has called on judicial officers across the country to embrace reforms and leverage technology to accelerate the dispensation of justice.

Kekere-Ekun made the call while delivering her address at the 2026/2027 Legal Year ceremony at the Supreme Court Complex in Abuja.

She urged judges to adopt innovative approaches to adjudication amid the growing number of cases pending before courts across the country.

READ MORE: JUST IN: Judiciary Mourns As Ex-CJN Dies At 89

The CJN noted that technology could help ease the judicial process, improve efficiency and support the timely resolution of cases.

Reviewing the judiciary’s performance during the year under consideration, Kekere-Ekun disclosed that more than 2,000 cases were filed at the Supreme Court, with civil matters accounting for the majority.

The growing caseload highlights the need for reforms that would strengthen the administration of justice and improve the efficiency of the courts.

At the swearing-in ceremony of 68 newly conferred Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), the CJN cautioned legal practitioners against discrediting court judgments through media commentary.

She emphasised the importance of protecting the integrity of the judiciary and maintaining public confidence in the justice system.

The warning comes amid ongoing discussions about the conduct of legal practitioners and the need to preserve respect for judicial institutions.