The Coroner’s Court at the Yaba Magistrate Court in Lagos has slated April 14, 2026, for the opening of formal inquest proceedings into the death of 21-month-old Master Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, the son of renowned writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege.
Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji fixed the date on Wednesday during a mention of the case.
The child reportedly passed away on January 7, 2026, after receiving care at Atlantis Hospital and later undergoing medical procedures at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos.
Court disclosures indicated that the toddler was initially taken to Atlantis Hospital over what was described as a mild ailment that later deteriorated.
As arrangements were being made to move him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States for further treatment, he was referred to Euracare for pre-travel assessments.
These reportedly included an MRI scan, a lumbar puncture and the placement of a central line. He died after the procedures were carried out.
His parents have since raised allegations of medical negligence and professional misconduct surrounding the events that led to his death.
At Wednesday’s proceedings, Prof. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) represented the bereaved family, while Adebola Rahman appeared on behalf of the Lagos State Attorney-General. Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe of Health Ethics and Law Consulting announced appearance for Atlantis Hospital, with Euracare also represented by counsel.
Magistrate Adetunji revealed that the Chief Coroner of Lagos State submitted an application to the court following a request from the Attorney-General seeking a formal inquest.
She remarked, “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.”
Clarifying the purpose of the sitting, the magistrate explained that the court was determining whether to proceed with a full inquest and instructed all parties to submit their witness statements ahead of the next hearing date.
Stressing procedural requirements, she stated, “For every inquest, the starting point is that there must be an autopsy done to give us a professional report.”
Pinheiro, however, pressed the court to commence the inquiry, insisting that the parents maintain their son’s passing was unnatural and occurred in the course of medical treatment.
