The Lagos State Coroner Court has begun an inquest into the death of Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of internationally acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who passed away on January 7, 2026, while undergoing medical treatment.
The preliminary session was held on February 25, 2026, before Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji at Court 4, Magistrate Court, Yaba.
At the opening of proceedings, Magistrate Adetunji conveyed condolences to the family and explained that the inquest is inquisitorial in nature, aimed at uncovering the circumstances surrounding the death and preventing future recurrence.
Lead counsel for the family, Prof. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), accepted the condolences and assured the court of the family’s full cooperation. He stressed that the inquiry must thoroughly examine medical records to determine whether medical incompetence, gross negligence, improper monitoring, wrongful drug administration including Propofol, misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment protocols contributed to the child’s death.
On behalf of the family, Prof. Pinheiro requested that the coroner compel the production of critical materials, including CCTV footage from Euracare Hospital, qualifications of attending doctors, anaesthesia charts and monitoring logs, as well as complete electronic medical records.
He further disclosed that the family intends to call expert witnesses, including an anaesthesiologist, paediatrician, intensivist, radiologist and the child’s father.
The Office of the Attorney General of Lagos State, represented by Adebola Araba, supported the inquest proceedings. Representatives of Euracare and Atlantis Paediatric Hospital also expressed readiness to participate fully in the process.
The coroner raised concerns regarding the absence of an autopsy report. Prof. Pinheiro cited Section 21(1) of the Coroner Systems Law, which allows an inquest to proceed even where no autopsy has been conducted. The coroner accepted the legal position, noting there were no objections from other parties, although counsel from the Attorney General’s office observed that an autopsy would ordinarily have been preferable.
On the order of testimony, Prof. Pinheiro proposed that the hospitals should lead evidence first, with the family presenting rebuttal evidence afterward.
After hearing submissions, the coroner directed that evidence would be taken in the following sequence: Euracare, the Adichie family and Atlantis Paediatric Hospital.
All testimonies are to be reduced into written witness statements and exchanged before the next hearing.
Prof. Pinheiro also requested that the family be permitted to participate virtually. The court indicated willingness to consider the request subject to formal application and payment of required fees. Recordings of proceedings will not be allowed.
The matter was adjourned to April 14 and May 5, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
