Sh*ck In Lagos: Government Probes Circumstances Surrounding Adichie’s Son’s Death

The Lagos State Coroner Court has officially opened an inquest into the death of Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of globally acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who passed away on January 7, 2026, while undergoing medical treatment.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

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

At the start of proceedings, Magistrate Adetunji extended condolences to the Adichie family and explained that the inquest is inquisitorial, focusing on uncovering the circumstances of the child’s death and preventing similar incidents in the future.

Lead counsel for the family, Prof. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), acknowledged the court’s condolences and pledged the family’s full cooperation. He emphasized the need for a thorough review of medical records to determine whether medical errors, negligence, improper monitoring, incorrect drug administration—including Propofol—misdiagnosis, or inappropriate treatment protocols played a role in the child’s death.

On behalf of the family, Prof. Pinheiro requested the coroner compel the production of key materials, including:

• CCTV footage from Euracare Hospital

• Qualifications of attending doctors

• Anaesthesia charts and monitoring logs

• Complete electronic medical records

He also confirmed the family intends to call expert witnesses, including an anaesthesiologist, paediatrician, intensivist, radiologist, and the child’s father.

The Lagos State Office of the Attorney General, represented by Adebola Araba, expressed support for the proceedings, while representatives of Euracare and Atlantis Paediatric Hospital affirmed their willingness to cooperate fully.

The coroner noted the absence of an autopsy report. Prof. Pinheiro cited Section 21(1) of the Coroner Systems Law, which permits an inquest to proceed even without an autopsy. The coroner accepted this legal position, although counsel from the Attorney General’s office observed that an autopsy would normally be preferable.

Regarding the order of testimony, Prof. Pinheiro proposed that the hospitals present evidence first, followed by the family’s rebuttal. The coroner approved the following sequence:

1. Euracare Hospital

2. The Adichie Family

3. Atlantis Paediatric Hospital

All testimonies are to be documented in written witness statements and exchanged before the next hearing.

Prof. Pinheiro also requested that the family be allowed to participate virtually. The court said it would consider the request pending a formal application and payment of required fees, noting that recordings of proceedings would not be permitted.

The inquest has been adjourned to April 14 and May 5, 2026, for continuation of the hearing.

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