Court to Investigate How Chimamanda Adichie’s Son Died

The Lagos State Judiciary has fixed April 14, 2026, for the start 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, after developing complications linked to a series of preparatory medical procedures. Following the incident, the family issued a legal notice to the hospital involved, alleging that medical negligence and professional misconduct played a role in the child’s death.

The hearing date was set by Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji of the Yaba Magistrate Court after lawyers for all parties announced their appearance in court. 

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 in attendance.

Magistrate Adetunji said the inquest was initiated at the request of the Attorney-General, adding that the Lagos State Government has an interest in ensuring the circumstances surrounding the child’s death are properly examined.

“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 court directed all parties to file and exchange witness statements ahead of the hearing. The magistrate explained that the key purpose of the inquest is to determine the exact cause of death, beginning with the presentation of the autopsy findings.

Counsel to the family told the court they intend to present evidence alleging gross medical negligence, including claims of a possible overdose, wrongful prescription, improper administration of propofol, and misdiagnosis. 

The family is expected to call five independent medical experts as witnesses, along with the child’s father, who is also a medical doctor.

The magistrate further ruled that Euracare will open its case when proceedings begin, after which the Adichie family will present their evidence, followed by Atlantis Hospital.

The matter was adjourned to April 14, 2026, for the formal commencement of the inquest.