A Coroner’s Court sitting at the Yaba Magistrate Court in Lagos has adjourned proceedings until April 14, 2026, to commence a formal inquest into the death of 21-month-old Master Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, son of acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege.
Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji fixed the date on Wednesday when the matter came up before the court, following an application from the Chief Coroner of Lagos State at the request of the state’s Attorney-General.
The toddler died on January 7, 2026, after receiving care at Atlantis Hospital and undergoing medical procedures at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos.
He had initially been admitted to Atlantis Hospital for what was described as a worsening but initially mild illness.
While arrangements were reportedly underway to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States for advanced care, he was referred to Euracare for pre-flight diagnostic procedures, including an MRI, lumbar puncture, and insertion of a central line.
He passed away following the procedures.
His parents have alleged medical negligence and professional misconduct in connection with the child’s death.
At the preliminary session, Professor Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) announced his appearance for the family, while Adebola Rahman represented the Attorney-General of Lagos State. Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe appeared on behalf of Atlantis Hospital, and Euracare was also represented.
Magistrate Adetunji explained that the purpose of the initial sitting was to determine whether a formal inquest would proceed. She noted that the Lagos State Government considered itself equally affected by the incident.
“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,” she said.
The magistrate directed all parties to file their witness statements before the adjourned date and emphasised that the goal of the inquest would be to determine the cause of death.
She also stated that an autopsy is generally the starting point in such proceedings, as it provides a professional medical foundation for the inquiry.
Pinheiro urged the court to proceed with the hearing, maintaining that the child’s death was unnatural and occurred during medical intervention.
He indicated that the family would present evidence alleging gross medical negligence, including possible overdose, wrongful prescription, improper administration of propofol, and wrongful diagnosis.
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According to him, the family plans to call five independent medical professionals — including an anaesthesiologist, a paediatric anaesthesia specialist, a radiologist, and an intensivist — as well as the child’s father, who is also a medical doctor.
He further requested that Euracare preserve all physical and electronic evidence from January 6, 2026, including CCTV footage, monitoring data, pharmacy records, emergency equipment logs, internal communications, and morbidity and mortality reviews.
In a legal notice dated January 10, 2026, issued by Pinheiro’s law firm, the parents accused Euracare, its anaesthesiologist, and attending personnel of breaching the duty of care owed to their son.
The notice outlined concerns about cumulative dosing of propofol in a critically ill child, alleged inadequate airway protection during deep sedation, failure to ensure continuous physiological monitoring, and possible lapses in patient-transfer safety standards.
Euracare is to open its defence when the inquest formally begins, followed by the family and then Atlantis Hospital, in line with the magistrate’s directive.
The case has drawn significant public attention, not only because of the prominence of the child’s mother, but also due to the broader implications for medical accountability, paediatric care standards, and patient safety protocols in Nigeria.
As the court prepares to begin hearings in April, many will be watching closely for clarity, closure, and answers surrounding the tragic loss of a young life.