Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Ivara Esege, have asked a Lagos High Court to dismiss a hospital’s attempt to stop the coroner’s inquest into their son’s death.
According to TheCable, their lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro, described the suit filed by Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital as “premature.”
Their son, Nkanu Adichie-Esege, died in January following complications during preparatory medical procedures at the hospital.
Family challenges hospital’s application
Pinheiro argued that the coroner had not yet reached any conclusion that could justify intervention by the High Court.
He maintained that the Lagos State Coroners’ System Law allows an inquest to continue even when a body has been destroyed or cannot be recovered.
“The absence of the body does not nullify the jurisdiction of the coroner to conduct inquest,” he argued.
Lagos Attorney-General Lawal Pedro also asked the court to dismiss the hospital’s application.
Hospital questions inquest process
However, hospital lawyer Taiwo Osipitan argued that Euracare should not have to present its evidence first when the family had made allegations of medical incompetence.
The hospital also questioned whether the coroner could properly continue after Nkanu’s body was cremated.
Justice Aisat Opesanwo reserved ruling until October 12.
The coroner’s proceedings remain suspended pending the High Court’s decision.
