The Lagos State Coroner Court has commenced an inquest into the death of Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of acclaimed writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who died on January 7, 2026, while receiving medical care.
The preliminary sitting, held on February 25 before Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji at the Magistrate Court in Yaba, opened with condolences to the bereaved family. The magistrate explained that the proceedings are investigative rather than adversarial, intended to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and identify lessons that could prevent similar incidents.
Lead counsel to the family, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), acknowledged the court’s sympathy and pledged the family’s full cooperation. He urged the court to conduct a detailed review of the medical treatment provided, including whether negligence, poor monitoring, incorrect drug administration — particularly Propofol — misdiagnosis, or unsuitable treatment protocols may have contributed to the child’s death.
Pinheiro asked the coroner to order the release of key evidence, including CCTV recordings from Euracare Hospital, the credentials of attending physicians, anaesthesia and monitoring records, and the complete electronic medical file. He also disclosed that the family intends to call expert witnesses such as an anaesthesiologist, paediatrician, intensivist, and radiologist, alongside the child’s father.
The Office of the Attorney General of Lagos State, represented by Adebola Araba, backed the inquest, while officials from Euracare and Atlantis Paediatric Hospital signalled their readiness to cooperate fully with the inquiry.
During proceedings, the coroner noted the absence of an autopsy report. Pinheiro cited provisions of the Coroner Systems Law allowing an inquest to proceed without one, a position the court accepted, although government counsel remarked that an autopsy would normally be advisable.
On the sequence of testimony, the family’s counsel suggested that the hospitals present evidence first, followed by the family’s response. After hearing submissions, the court directed that witnesses will testify in the order of Euracare, the Adichie family, and then Atlantis Paediatric Hospital. All testimonies are to be submitted as written witness statements and exchanged ahead of the next sitting.
The court also indicated it would consider an application for the family to participate virtually, subject to proper filing and payment of required fees, but ruled that recordings of proceedings would not be permitted.
The matter was adjourned to April 14 and May 5, 2026, for continuation of the hearing.