Coroner’s Inquest Opens Into Chimamanda Adichie’s Son’s Death

The Lagos State Coroner Court has commenced an inquest into the death of Master Nkanu Adichie‑Esege, son of internationally acclaimed writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who died on January 7, 2026, during medical treatment.

The preliminary session took place on February 25, 2026, before Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji, sitting at Court 4, Magistrate Court, Yaba.

At the opening of proceedings, Magistrate Adetunji expressed condolences to the family and explained that the inquest is inquisitorial in nature, designed to uncover the circumstances of the death and prevent future recurrence.

Lead counsel for the family, Prof. ’Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, accepted the condolences and pledged full cooperation with the inquiry.

He emphasized that the inquest must scrutinize medical records to determine whether medical incompetence, gross negligence, improper monitoring, wrongful administration of drugs 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 production of critical evidence, including CCTV footage from Euracare Hospital, qualifications of attending doctors, anaesthesia charts, monitoring logs, and complete electronic medical records.

He also confirmed that the family intends to call expert witnesses including an anaesthesiologist, pediatrician, intensivist, and radiologist as well as the father of the child.

The Office of the Attorney General of Lagos State represented by Adebola Araba supported the need for the inquest, while representatives of Euracare, Mc. Williams Nwaogu and Atlantis Paediatric Hospital, Prof. Cheluchi Oyemelukwe concurred and expressed readiness to participate.

The coroner raised the issue of an autopsy. Prof. Pinheiro noted that although no autopsy report is available, Section 21(1) of the Coroner Systems Law permits an inquest to proceed in such circumstances.

The coroner accepted this position, noting no objections from other parties, though counsel from the Attorney General’s Office observed that an autopsy would ordinarily have been preferable.

On the order of testimony, Prof. Pinheiro argued that hospitals should lead evidence first, with the family presenting rebuttal thereafter.

After hearing submissions, the coroner directed that evidence will be taken in the following order: Euracare, the family, and Atlantis.

All testimonies are to be reduced to witness statements and exchanged before the next hearing.

Prof. Pinheiro also requested that the family be allowed to participate virtually. The coroner confirmed openness to this, subject to application to the Chief Registrar and payment of requisite fees. Recordings will not be permitted.

The Inquest was then adjourned to 14 April 2026 and 5 May 2026.