The Lagos State Judiciary has scheduled 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.
Nkanu reportedly died on January 7, 2026, following complications linked to a series of preparatory medical procedures.
In the aftermath of the incident, the family served a legal notice on the hospital involved, alleging that medical negligence and professional misconduct contributed to the child’s death.
The date for the inquest was fixed by Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji of the Yaba Magistrate Court after counsel representing all parties formally announced their appearances before the court.
Senior Advocate Kemi Pinheiro appeared for the Adichie family, while Adebola Rahman represented the Lagos State Attorney-General. Legal representatives for Atlantis Hospital and Euracare were also present during proceedings.
Magistrate Adetunji explained that the inquest was initiated at the instance of the Attorney-General, stressing that the Lagos State Government has a responsibility to ensure a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
“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,” the magistrate stated.
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The court directed all parties to file and exchange witness statements ahead of the hearing date to facilitate a smooth commencement of proceedings.
According to Magistrate Adetunji, the primary objective of the inquest is to establish the exact cause of death. Proceedings will begin with the presentation of the autopsy findings.
Counsel to the family informed the court of plans to present evidence alleging gross medical negligence. The claims are expected to include possible overdose, wrongful prescription, improper administration of propofol, and misdiagnosis.
The family intends to call five independent medical experts to testify, in addition to the child’s father, who is also a medical doctor.
The magistrate ruled that Euracare will open its case at the commencement of the inquest, followed by the presentation of evidence by the Adichie family, after which Atlantis Hospital will make its submissions.
The matter was adjourned to April 14, 2026, for the formal commencement of the coroner’s inquest, which is expected to attract significant public attention given the profile of the family and the broader concerns raised about medical accountability and patient safety.