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The Coroner’s Court in Lagos has scheduled April 14, 2026, for the commencement of an inquest into the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, son of acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege.
Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji fixed the date on Wednesday, setting the stage for a formal inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death on January 7, 2026, following treatment at Atlantis Hospital and subsequent procedures at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital.
The toddler had initially been admitted to Atlantis Hospital for what was described as a worsening but mild illness. Plans were underway to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States when he was referred to Euracare for pre-travel investigations, including diagnostic and preparatory procedures. He died shortly after undergoing those procedures.
His parents have since raised allegations of medical negligence and professional misconduct.
At the court session, Professor Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) appeared for the family, while Adebola Rahman represented the Lagos State Attorney-General. Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe represented Atlantis Hospital, with Euracare also having legal representation.
During a preliminary meeting, Magistrate Adetunji disclosed that the inquest application was initiated by the Chief Coroner at the Attorney-General’s request. She indicated that the state considers itself directly affected by the incident, noting that the loss extends beyond the immediate family.
“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.
She explained that the session was convened to determine whether the matter should proceed to a full inquest and directed all parties to submit their witness statements ahead of the next hearing. She also emphasised that the court’s primary objective would be to establish the cause of death.
The magistrate further noted that autopsy findings typically form the foundation of such inquiries, stressing the importance of a professional medical report in guiding proceedings.
Counsel to the family urged the court to move forward with the inquest, maintaining that the child’s death was unnatural and occurred in the course of medical intervention. He indicated that the family would present evidence pointing to alleged gross medical negligence, including concerns around drug administration, diagnosis, and clinical management.
According to him, five independent medical experts, including specialists in anaesthesia, paediatric anaesthesia, radiology, and intensive care, are expected to testify, alongside the child’s father, who is also a medical doctor.
He also requested that Euracare preserve all relevant physical and digital records from January 6, including CCTV footage, monitoring data, pharmacy logs, emergency response records, and internal communications.
On the order of proceedings, the court ruled that Euracare would present its case first, followed by the family and then Atlantis Hospital.
The court adjourned proceedings to April 14, 2026, when the inquest is expected to formally begin.
