* Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The Pathfinder
Thursday February 26, 2026
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A coroner’s court sitting at the Yaba Magistrate Court in Lagos has fixed April 14, 2026, for the commencement of an inquest into the death of Nkanu, the 21-month-old son of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege.
Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji adjourned the matter to allow parties to file their witness statements ahead of the substantive hearing.
The court explained that the inquest aims to determine the circumstances surrounding the child’s death and identify the cause of the incident.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kemi Pinheiro, appeared for the family, while Adebola Rahman represented the Lagos State Attorney-General. Representatives of Atlantis Hospital and Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital were also present in court.
The magistrate disclosed that the inquest followed an application by the Chief Coroner of Lagos State after a request by the state government, noting that the government also considers itself bereaved in the matter.
She emphasised that an autopsy report would form the basis of the inquest proceedings and directed all parties to handle the matter with caution.
Counsel to the family urged the court to proceed with the hearing, maintaining that the child’s death was unnatural and occurred during medical treatment.
The family plans to present medical experts and witnesses to support allegations of medical negligence.
The court also directed that relevant evidence, including medical records and electronic data, be preserved ahead of the hearing.
Nkanu Adichie died on January 7, 2026, after receiving treatment at two Lagos hospitals during preparations for an emergency medical evacuation abroad. His parents have alleged medical negligence and professional misconduct in connection with the incident.
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