The Coroner’s Court sitting at the Yaba Magistrate Court has adjourned proceedings to April 14, 2026, for the commencement of a formal inquest into the death of 21-month-old Master Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, son of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege.
Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji fixed the date when the matter came before the court, explaining that the preliminary session was convened to determine whether a full inquest should proceed. She disclosed that the court received an application from the Chief Coroner of Lagos State following a request by the Attorney-General of Lagos State that an inquiry be conducted. The magistrate further observed that the Lagos State Government considers itself bereaved in the circumstances.
The deceased child died on January 7, 2026, after initially receiving treatment at Atlantis Hospital in Lagos and subsequently undergoing diagnostic and preparatory procedures at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital ahead of a proposed medical evacuation to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States.
According to submissions before the court, the child was referred to Euracare for pre-flight procedures, including an MRI, lumbar puncture, echocardiogram, insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter, and intravenous sedation with propofol. He reportedly developed acute complications during or shortly after the procedures and was later pronounced dead.
The parents have formally alleged medical negligence and professional misconduct, contending that the death was unnatural and occurred during medical intervention. Counsel to the family, Professor Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), informed the court that they intend to present evidence suggesting gross medical negligence, possible overdose, wrongful prescription, improper administration of propofol, and wrongful diagnosis. The family proposes to call five independent medical experts, including specialists in anaesthesiology, paediatric anaesthesia, radiology, and intensive care, in addition to the child’s father, who is also a medical practitioner.
Pinheiro further urged the court to direct Euracare to preserve all relevant physical and electronic evidence from January 6, 2026, including CCTV footage, monitoring data, pharmacy records, equipment logs, internal communications, and morbidity and mortality reviews.
Representatives for Atlantis Hospital and Euracare appeared before the court and indicated their intention to present their respective accounts. Counsel for the Attorney-General requested that the court proceed with opening the inquest, noting that the application was made in the public interest following reports of the child’s death.
Magistrate Adetunji emphasized that the objective of the inquest is to ascertain the cause and circumstances of the death. She stated that an autopsy report is generally the foundational document in such proceedings and directed all parties to file witness statements ahead of the adjourned date. The court ordered that Euracare would present first at the substantive hearing, followed by the family and then Atlantis Hospital.
The matter was accordingly adjourned to April 14, 2026, for commencement of the formal inquest.#newsafro_
