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The Coroner’s Court at Yaba Magistrate Court has adjourned proceedings and scheduled April 14, 2026, for the 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 made the announcement on Wednesday during a preliminary session aimed at determining whether a full inquiry would proceed.
Master Nkanu tragically passed away on January 7, 2026, after receiving treatment at Atlantis Hospital and undergoing medical procedures at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos. The toddler had initially been admitted to Atlantis for a mild illness that worsened and was subsequently referred to Euracare for pre-flight diagnostics. These included an MRI, lumbar puncture, and the insertion of a central line, in preparation for a transfer to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States.
The child’s parents have alleged professional negligence and malpractice, prompting the family and Lagos State authorities to pursue a formal investigation.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Professor Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) appeared for the family, while Adebola Rahman represented the Lagos State Attorney-General. Euracare was represented by its legal team, while Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe, of Health Ethics and Law Consulting, appeared on behalf of Atlantis Hospital.
Magistrate Adetunji explained that the preliminary session followed a request by the Lagos State Attorney-General and Chief Coroner to open an inquest, emphasizing that the government also considers itself affected by the tragedy.
“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 magistrate instructed all parties to submit witness statements prior to the next session and emphasized that the court’s priority is to determine the cause of Nkanu’s death. She added that a professional autopsy report would form the starting point of the inquest.
Professor Pinheiro urged the court to commence hearings promptly, arguing that Nkanu’s death was unnatural and occurred during medical procedures. The family plans to present evidence alleging gross negligence, potential overdose, improper prescription, misadministration of propofol, and wrongful diagnosis.
The family intends to call five independent medical experts to testify, including an anesthesiologist, a pediatric anesthesia specialist, a radiologist, an intensivist, and Dr. Ivara Esege, the child’s father.
Pinheiro also requested that Euracare preserve all evidence from January 6, 2026, including CCTV footage, electronic monitoring data, pharmacy records, emergency equipment logs, internal communications, and morbidity and mortality reviews.
Magistrate Adetunji ruled that Euracare would present its case first, followed by the family, and then Atlantis Hospital.
Earlier, Prof. Onyemelukwe told the court that Atlantis Hospital would provide its version of events, noting that she had only been informed of the court appearance on Tuesday. Adebola Rahman, representing the Lagos AG, urged the court to proceed, stating:
“Since all the parties are here, we would be asking the court to open the hearing. We pray this court to commence with the hearing.”
In a legal notice dated January 10, 2026, Adichie and her husband formally accused Euracare, its anesthesiologist, and attending personnel of breaching the duty of care owed to their son. Nkanu, born March 25, 2024, was referred to Euracare on January 6, 2026, for diagnostic and preparatory procedures ahead of an emergency medical evacuation to the US. The procedures reportedly included an echocardiogram, brain MRI, insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter, lumbar puncture, and intravenous sedation with propofol.
The April 14 hearing will mark the formal commencement of the inquest, with the court set to hear evidence from medical experts and review all documentation related to Nkanu’s tragic death.
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