The Lagos State Judiciary has fixed April 14, 2026, for the commencement of a coroner’s inquest into the death of Nkanu, the 21-month-old son of renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
The child reportedly died on January 7, 2026, following complications linked to a series of preparatory medical procedures.
After the incident, the family issued a legal notice to the hospital involved, alleging that medical negligence and professional misconduct contributed to the child’s death.
The inquest date was set by Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji of the Yaba Magistrate Court after legal representatives for all parties announced their appearances. Kemi Pinheiro appeared for the Adichie family, while Adebola Rahman represented the Lagos State Attorney-General. Legal teams for Euracare and Atlantis Hospital were also present.
Magistrate Adetunji explained that the inquest was initiated at the request of the Attorney-General, stressing that the Lagos State Government has an interest in ensuring a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the 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.
The court directed all parties to file and exchange witness statements ahead of the hearing. According to the magistrate, the primary aim of the proceedings is to determine the exact cause of death, beginning with the presentation of the autopsy report.
Counsel to the family informed the court of plans to present evidence alleging 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, along with the child’s father, who is a medical doctor.
The court further ruled that Euracare will open its case at the start of the inquest, followed by the Adichie family and then Atlantis Hospital.
The matter was adjourned to April 14 for the formal commencement of proceedings.
