Court to reveal truth behind Chimamanda Adichie’s son’s death

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 toddler reportedly died on January 7, 2026, following complications linked to 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.

Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji of the Yaba Magistrate Court scheduled the inquest after legal representatives of all parties announced their appearances before the court.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kemi Pinheiro, appeared for the Adichie family, while Adebola Rahman represented the Lagos State Attorney-General. Legal teams representing Atlantis Hospital and Euracare were also present.

According to the magistrate, the inquest was initiated at the request of the Attorney-General to ensure a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“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. The proceedings are expected to begin with the presentation of the autopsy report to determine the exact cause of death.

Counsel to the family indicated plans to tender evidence alleging gross medical negligence, including claims of possible overdose, wrongful prescription, improper administration of propofol and misdiagnosis.

The family is also expected to call five independent medical experts as witnesses, in addition to the child’s father, who is a medical doctor.

Magistrate Adetunji ruled that Euracare will open its defence when the inquest begins, after which the Adichie family will present its case, followed by Atlantis Hospital.

The matter was adjourned to April 14 for the formal commencement of proceedings.