CORONER’S COURT ADJOURNS INQUEST INTO DEATH OF CHIMAMANDA ADICHIE'S SON

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

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

Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji fixed the date on Wednesday when the matter came up before the court.

The child reportedly died on January 7, 2026, after receiving care at Atlantis Hospital and undergoing medical procedures at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos. He had initially been admitted to Atlantis Hospital for what was described as a worsening but initially mild illness.

While arrangements were being made to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States, Atlantis Hospital referred him to Euracare for pre-flight diagnostic procedures, including an MRI, lumbar puncture, insertion of a central line, and intravenous sedation with propofol. The child reportedly died following the procedures.

His parents have alleged medical negligence and professional misconduct in connection with his death.

At the proceedings, Professor Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) appeared for the family, while Adebola Rahman represented the Lagos State Attorney-General. Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe appeared for Atlantis Hospital, and Euracare was also represented.

Magistrate Adetunji stated that the court received an application from the Chief Coroner of Lagos State following a request by the Attorney-General for an inquest. She noted that the Lagos State Government also considers itself bereaved and emphasised that the purpose of the proceedings is to determine the cause of death.

She directed all parties to file witness statements before the next adjourned date and stressed that an autopsy is generally the starting point in every inquest.

Pinheiro urged the court to proceed with the hearing, stating that the family maintains the child’s death was unnatural and occurred during medical intervention. He said the family would present evidence alleging gross medical negligence, possible overdose, wrongful prescription, improper administration of propofol, and wrongful diagnosis.

The family also requested that Euracare preserve all physical and electronic evidence from January 6, 2026, including CCTV footage, monitoring data, pharmacy records, emergency equipment logs, internal communications, and morbidity and mortality reviews.

The magistrate ruled that Euracare would open its case at the hearing, followed by the family and then Atlantis Hospital.

The matter was adjourned until April 14, 2026, for commencement of the formal inquest proceedings.