KEY POINTS

• Court fixed April 14 for inquest into death of Adichie’s son.
  
• Parents allege medical negligence after hospital procedures.
  
• The magistrate said pathologists must submit an autopsy report before the court can proceed.

A Coroner’s Court sitting at the Yaba Magistrate Court in Lagos has fixed April 14, 2026, for the commencement of an inquest into the death of 21-month-old Master Nkanu Esege, son of author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege.

Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji adjourned the matter on Wednesday after a preliminary session involving legal representatives of the parties.

The child reportedly died on January 7, 2026, after receiving treatment at Atlantis Hospital and undergoing medical procedures at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos. His parents have alleged medical negligence and professional misconduct in connection with the circumstances surrounding his death.

Inquest Into Death of Adichie’s Son

Court documents show that doctors first admitted the toddler to Atlantis Hospital after his condition worsened from what initially appeared to be a mild illness. While his family arranged to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States for specialist care, Atlantis referred him to Euracare to conduct pre-flight diagnostic procedures.

He died shortly after the procedures were conducted. When the case was called, Professor Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, appeared for the family, while Adebola Rahman represented the Attorney-General of Lagos State. Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe of Health Ethics and Law Consulting appeared for Atlantis Hospital.

Autopsy Requirement, Parties Cautioned

During discussions with counsel, Magistrate Adetunji disclosed that the Chief Coroner of Lagos State filed an application with the court after the Attorney-General requested that authorities conduct an inquest.

“The Lagos State Government is also mourning, which is why the Attorney-General took this step,” she said. “It affects not only the family of the deceased,” the magistrate said.

She further cautioned all parties to approach the proceedings carefully, noting that an autopsy would form the foundation of the inquiry. “For every inquest, pathologists must first conduct an autopsy and submit a professional report,” she said.

The court will begin the substantive hearing into the death of Adichie’s son on April 14 when it reconvenes.