‘Innocent Man Not Afraid Of Light’ – Pinheiro Says, As Court Stalls Inquest Into Adichie’s Son’s Death

The coroner’s inquest into the death of 21-month-old Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege, suffered a setback on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, after Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital informed the Coroner’s Court that it had obtained an order staying further proceedings.

The matter came up before Coroner Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji at Court 9, Igbosere Magisterial District, Yaba, Lagos, and was scheduled for the commencement of witness testimony.

However, proceedings could not go on after counsel to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Professor Taiwo Osipitan, SAN, told the court that the hospital had commenced judicial review proceedings before the Lagos State High Court.

Osipitan said the hospital was challenging, among other issues, the jurisdiction of the Coroner’s Court to conduct the inquest in the absence of the deceased’s body.

The senior advocate informed the coroner that the High Court had granted leave for the judicial review application and ordered that the leave should operate as a stay of proceedings pending the determination of the suit.

He further told the court that although the Lagos State Attorney-General’s Office declined service of the originating processes, proof of service was available.

The development effectively prevented the Coroner’s Court from taking witness testimony as earlier scheduled.

Family Files Witness Statements

Responding on behalf of the family, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, confirmed that the family had received both the originating processes and the High Court order.

Pinheiro acknowledged that all parties were bound to obey court orders.

He, however, informed the coroner that the family had already filed four witness statements on oath, including that of Dr Ivara Esege.

He added that statements from independent medical experts from Nigeria and the United States had also been filed before the court, and the experts were expected to testify at the inquest.

‘Innocent Man Not Afraid Of Light’

Pinheiro urged the court not to adjourn the matter indefinitely.

He asked that the case be adjourned to a definite date after the court vacation to allow parties to report developments in the High Court proceedings.

Stressing the need for transparency and public confidence in the fact-finding process, he said, “He who is innocent does not fear an open inquest.”

He added, “The innocent man is not afraid of the lamp; it is the darkness that fears the light.”

Counsel representing Atlantis Paediatric Hospital also supported the request for a definite adjournment instead of an indefinite postponement.

After listening to the submissions of counsel, the coroner adjourned the matter till October 8, 2026, for a report on the status of the High Court proceedings.

The adjournment means that although the inquest was scheduled to begin hearing evidence on the circumstances surrounding Nkanu’s death, no witness was called and no testimony was taken.

The stay order has also delayed the testimony of several expert witnesses whose reports have already been filed before the Coroner’s Court.

The fresh legal challenge has now shifted attention from the Coroner’s Court to the Lagos State High Court, whose decision will determine when the fact-finding exercise can proceed.