The Coroner’s Court in Lagos has fixed April 14, 2026, for the commencement of an inquest into the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, son of author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege.
Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji announced the date on Wednesday, initiating a formal inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death on January 7, 2026.
The toddler reportedly died after receiving treatment at Atlantis Hospital and undergoing procedures at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital.
Background
According to court proceedings, the child was first admitted to Atlantis Hospital for what was described as a worsening but mild illness. Plans were being made to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States when he was referred to Euracare for pre-travel investigations and related procedures. He died shortly after those procedures.
The parents have alleged medical negligence and professional misconduct in connection with the case.
Court Proceedings
At the preliminary session, Professor Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) represented the family, while Adebola Rahman appeared for the Lagos State Attorney-General. Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe represented Atlantis Hospital, with Euracare also having legal counsel.
Magistrate Adetunji stated that the inquest application was initiated by the Chief Coroner at the request of the Attorney-General, noting that the state considers itself directly affected by the incident.
“The Lagos State Government is also bereaved; that is why the Attorney-General has taken this step,” she said.
She directed all parties to submit witness statements ahead of the next hearing and emphasised that the court’s primary objective would be to determine the cause of death. She also noted that autopsy findings would be central to the inquiry.
Order of Proceedings
Counsel for the family urged the court to proceed with a full inquest, arguing that the child’s death was unnatural and occurred during medical intervention. The family is expected to present five independent medical experts, including specialists in anaesthesia, paediatric anaesthesia, radiology, and intensive care, alongside the child’s father, who is also a medical doctor.
The family also requested that Euracare preserve all relevant records from January 6, including CCTV footage, monitoring data, pharmacy logs, emergency response records, and internal communications.
The court ruled that Euracare would present its case first, followed by the family and then Atlantis Hospital.
Proceedings were adjourned to April 14, 2026, when the inquest is scheduled to formally begin.
