Coroner’s Inquest to Probe Death of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s 21-Month-Old Son as Lagos Court Fixes April 14

The Lagos State Judiciary has set April 14, 2026, to begin a coroner’s inquest into the death of Nkanu, the 21-month-old son of acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

The toddler died on January 7, 2026, following complications linked to a series of preparatory medical procedures, according to court proceedings.

Court Orders Full Hearing Into Circumstances of Death

The inquest date was fixed by Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji of the Yaba Magistrate Court after legal representatives for all parties formally announced their appearances.

Senior Advocate Kemi Pinheiro appeared for the Adichie family, while Adebola Rahman represented the Lagos State Attorney-General. Legal teams for Atlantis Hospital and Euracare were also present.

Magistrate Adetunji stated that the inquest was initiated at the request of the Attorney-General, emphasising the state’s interest in establishing the facts surrounding the child’s death.

“The Lagos State Government is also bereaved; that is why the Attorney-General has taken this step. It is not just the family of the deceased that is affected,” she said.

Allegations of Medical Negligence

Following the child’s death, the family served a legal notice on the hospital involved, alleging medical negligence and professional misconduct.

During the court session, counsel to the family indicated plans to tender evidence pointing to alleged gross medical negligence. These include claims of possible overdose, wrongful prescription, improper administration of propofol, and misdiagnosis.

The family is expected to call five independent medical experts as witnesses. The child’s father, who is also a medical doctor, is also listed among prospective witnesses.

Autopsy Findings to Open Proceedings

The magistrate directed all parties to file and exchange witness statements ahead of the hearing.

She ruled that the inquest would commence with the presentation of autopsy findings to determine the exact cause of death.

Euracare is scheduled to open its case when proceedings begin, followed by the Adichie family and then Atlantis Hospital.

The matter was adjourned to April 14 for the formal commencement of the coroner’s inquest.