Chimamanda’s Son’s Death: Esege, Wife Urge Court to Dismiss Hospital’s Bid to Halt Coroner’s Inquest

Dr. Ivara Esege and his spouse, renowned author Chimamanda Adichie, have asked the Lagos State High Court to dismiss a legal challenge from Eurapharma Care Services Nigeria Limited. The challenge aims to halt the coroner's inquiry into their son Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege's death. Their lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, stated that the hospital's action to seek judicial review was premature, as the coroner had not made any decision or determination capable of being overturned by the High Court.

Pinheiro likened the hospital's approach to a legal blunder, citing the infamous "Usain Bolt/Ben Johnson" case, where the athlete appealed before a performance decision was made. Pinheiro argued that Eurapharma had attempted to intervene prematurely in the legal process before the coroner reached any substantive conclusion. The lawsuit claims Eurapharma seeks orders of certiorari and prohibition, attempting to halt the coroner's proceedings.

However, Pinheiro maintains that the court should not rush to intervene in proceedings that have not yet produced substantive findings. Eurapharma argues that the hospital should not be allowed to commence its case as the complainant, who claims the hospital was negligent, has not presented its evidence first. The lawyer emphasized that the coroner's proceedings were merely preliminary and procedural, as no witnesses had been called, no evidence presented, and no substantive findings made by the coroner.

The Lagos State Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro, SAN, also urged the court to dismiss the suit, referencing provisions in the Lagos State Coroners’ System Law.