The Coroner’s Court sitting at the Yaba Magistrate Court in Lagos has set April 14, 2026, as the date to commence an inquest into the death of 21-month-old Master Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, son of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege.
Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji fixed the date on Wednesday when the matter came up for mention.
The child reportedly died on January 7, 2026, after undergoing treatment at Atlantis Hospital and later medical procedures at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos.
Court proceedings indicated that the toddler was initially admitted to Atlantis Hospital for what was described as a mild but worsening illness.
As arrangements were being made to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States, he was referred to Euracare for pre-flight medical checks, including an MRI, a lumbar puncture, and the placement of a central line. He subsequently died after the procedures were carried out.
The bereaved parents have raised allegations of medical negligence and professional misconduct regarding the events leading to their son’s death. At the hearing, Prof. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) appeared on behalf of the family, while Adebola Rahman represented the Lagos State Attorney-General. Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe of Health Ethics and Law Consulting announced appearance for Atlantis Hospital, and Euracare was also represented.
At a preliminary session, Magistrate Adetunji revealed that the court had received a formal application from the Chief Coroner of Lagos State following a request by the Attorney-General for an inquest.
She noted, “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 clarified that the purpose of the sitting was to determine whether a full inquest would be conducted and instructed all parties to submit their witness statements ahead of the next adjourned date.
Stressing adherence to legal procedure, the magistrate stated, “For every inquest, the starting point is that there must be an autopsy done to give us a professional report.”
Pinheiro urged the court to proceed with the hearing, asserting that the parents believe the child’s death was unnatural and occurred in the course of medical intervention.
