- The Lagos State Judiciary scheduled April 14, 2026, for a coroner’s inquest into the death of Nkanu, son of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, following medical complications
- The Adichie family alleged negligence by Atlantis Hospital and Euracare, planning to present evidence including autopsy findings and expert testimonies
- Proceedings will open with Euracare’s case, followed by the family’s evidence, aiming to establish the precise cause of Nkanu’s death and institutional accountability
The Lagos State Judiciary has set April 14, 2026, for the commencement of a coroner’s inquest into the tragic death of Nkanu, the 21-month-old son of acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Nkanu passed away on January 7, 2026, following complications reportedly linked to a series of preparatory medical procedures. In the aftermath of the incident, the Adichie family served a legal notice on the hospital implicated, alleging acts of medical negligence and professional misconduct that they claim contributed to the child’s untimely death.
The inquest date was announced by Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji of the Yaba Magistrate Court after counsel for all parties formally entered their appearances. Leading the legal team for the Adichie family was Senior Advocate Kemi Pinheiro, while Adebola Rahman represented the Lagos State Attorney-General. Representatives from Atlantis Hospital and Euracare were also present.
Magistrate Adetunji explained that the inquest had been initiated at the request of the Attorney-General, emphasising that the Lagos State Government has a vested interest in ensuring a thorough examination of the circumstances 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 stated in court.
The court directed all parties to file and exchange witness statements in advance of the hearing. According to the magistrate, the primary purpose of the proceedings is to establish the precise cause of Nkanu’s death. The inquest will open with the presentation of autopsy findings.
Counsel for the Adichie family indicated their intention to present evidence suggesting gross medical negligence, including claims of overdose, wrongful prescription, improper administration of propofol, and potential misdiagnosis. The family plans to call five independent medical experts, alongside the child’s father, who is a practising medical doctor, to testify during the proceedings.
Magistrate Adetunji also ruled that Euracare will present its case first when the inquest begins, followed by evidence from the Adichie family and subsequently Atlantis Hospital.
The court adjourned the matter to April 14 for the formal commencement of proceedings, a date that is expected to attract considerable public attention given the prominence of the family involved. The inquest is set to provide crucial insights into both the medical procedures undertaken and the accountability of the institutions implicated.