Fatimah Otunsanya
Lagos State Judiciary has scheduled April 14, 2026, for the commencement of a coroner’s inquest into the death of Nkanu, the 21-month-old son of celebrated Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
It was recalled that Nkanu died on January 7, 2026, after suffering complications linked to a series of preparatory medical procedures.
Following the incident, the family served a legal notice on the hospital involved, alleging that acts of medical negligence and professional misconduct contributed to the child’s death.
The inquest date was fixed by Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji of the Yaba Magistrate Court after counsel for all parties formally announced their appearances.
Kemi Pinheiro appeared for the Adichie family, while Adebola Rahman represented the Lagos State Attorney-General.
Legal teams for Atlantis Hospital and Euracare were also present in court.
Magistrate Adetunji stated that the inquest was initiated at the request of the Attorney-General, noting that the Lagos State Government has a vested interest in ensuring that the circumstances surrounding the death are thoroughly examined.
“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 said.
The court directed all parties to file and exchange their witness statements ahead of the hearing.
According to the magistrate, the primary objective of the proceedings is to determine the exact cause of death.
The inquest will begin with the presentation of the autopsy findings.
Counsel to the family informed the court of their intention to tender evidence suggesting alleged gross medical negligence, including claims of possible overdose, wrongful prescription, improper administration of propofol, and misdiagnosis.
The family is expected to call five independent medical experts as witnesses, alongside the child’s father, who is also a medical doctor.
The magistrate further ruled that Euracare will open its case when the inquest begins, after which the Adichie family will present their evidence, followed by Atlantis Hospital.
The matter was adjourned to April 14 for the formal commencement of proceedings.
