Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie and her husband, Ivara Esege, have asked the Lagos State High Court in Ikoyi to dismiss a suit by Eurapharma Care Services Nigeria Limited seeking to stop the coroner’s inquest into the death of their son, Nkanu Adichie-Esege.

The 21-month-old Nkanu died in January at Eurapharma’s Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Their lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, told the court on Monday that the hospital’s application was premature. He argued that the coroner had not yet made any finding subject to judicial review.

He also said the inquest was still at a preliminary stage, with no witness having testified.

Eurapharma is seeking orders of certiorari and prohibition against the coroner’s proceedings. It is also challenging a directive that begins presenting its evidence.

The hospital argues the inquest cannot go on because Nkanu’s remains were cremated, making the proceedings impossible. Pinheiro countered that Section 21 of the Lagos State Coroners’ System Law expressly contemplates an inquest where a body has been destroyed or cannot be recovered.

Lagos Attorney-General Lawal Pedro also urged the court to dismiss the suit. Counsel for Euracare, Taiwo Osipitan, argued that the hospital should not be compelled to present its evidence first when the complainant, who alleged medical incompetence, had yet to present its case.

After hearing the arguments, Justice Aishat Opesanwo reserved October 12, ,2026 to rule on the application.