Inside The Courtroom: Lagos Coroner Opens High-Stakes Inquest Into Death Of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Son

The Lagos State Coroner’s Court has commenced a formal inquest into the tragic death of Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of internationally acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who died on January 7, 2026, during medical treatment.
The preliminary sitting was held on February 25, 2026, before Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji at Court 4, Magistrate Court, Yaba.
Opening proceedings, Magistrate Adetunji extended condolences to the bereaved family and clarified that the inquest is strictly inquisitorial — aimed at uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the child’s death and identifying measures to prevent any recurrence.
Lead counsel to the family, Prof. ’Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, acknowledged the court’s sympathy and assured full cooperation with the process. He stressed that the inquiry must thoroughly examine medical records to determine whether medical incompetence, gross negligence, improper monitoring, wrongful administration of drugs — including Propofol — misdiagnosis, or inappropriate treatment protocols played any role in the child’s death.
On behalf of the family, Prof. Pinheiro urged the court to compel the production of crucial evidence. These include CCTV footage from Euracare Hospital, the qualifications of attending physicians, anaesthesia charts, patient monitoring logs, and complete electronic medical records. He further disclosed that the family intends to call expert witnesses — including an anaesthesiologist, paediatrician, intensivist, and radiologist — in addition to the child’s father.
The Office of the Attorney General of Lagos State, represented by Adebola Araba, supported the necessity of the inquest. Legal representatives of Euracare, Mc. Williams Nwaogu, and Atlantis Paediatric Hospital, represented by Prof. Cheluchi Oyemelukwe, also expressed readiness to participate fully in the proceedings.
A key issue raised by the coroner was the absence of an autopsy report. Prof. Pinheiro argued that Section 21(1) of the Coroner Systems Law permits the inquest to proceed even where no autopsy has been conducted. The coroner agreed, noting there were no objections from other parties, although counsel from the Attorney General’s Office observed that an autopsy would ordinarily have been preferable.
On the sequence of testimonies, Prof. Pinheiro maintained that the hospitals involved should present their evidence first, allowing the family to respond afterward. Following submissions from all sides, the coroner ruled that evidence would be taken in the order of Euracare, the family, and then Atlantis. All testimonies are to be reduced into written witness statements and exchanged ahead of the next hearing.
The court also granted the family’s request to participate virtually, subject to formal application to the Chief Registrar and payment of the prescribed fees. However, the coroner ruled that no recordings of proceedings will be permitted.
The inquest was adjourned to April 14 and May 5, 2026, as the court begins what is expected to be a closely watched and consequential judicial inquiry.