The Coroner’s Court sitting at the Yaba Magistrate Court in Lagos has adjourned proceedings to April 14, 2026, to commence a formal inquest into the death of 21-month-old Master Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, son of celebrated Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege.
Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji fixed the date on Wednesday during a preliminary session to determine whether a full inquiry would proceed.
Tragic Death After Medical Procedures
Nkanu died on January 7, 2026, after receiving treatment at Atlantis Hospital and undergoing diagnostic and preparatory procedures at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos.
The toddler had initially been admitted to Atlantis Hospital for what was described as a worsening but initially mild illness.
Plans were underway to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States for advanced care.
As part of preparations for medical evacuation, Atlantis referred the child to Euracare for pre-flight procedures, including an MRI scan, lumbar puncture, echocardiogram, and insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter.
Intravenous sedation using propofol was also administered.
However, the child reportedly developed severe complications and passed away shortly after the procedures.
The grieving parents have alleged medical negligence and professional misconduct.
At Wednesday’s proceedings, Professor Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) appeared for the family, while Adebola Rahman represented the Attorney-General of Lagos State. Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe appeared for Atlantis Hospital, and Euracare was also represented.
Magistrate Adetunji disclosed that the Chief Coroner received an application for an inquest following a request by the Lagos State Attorney-General.
“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 stressed that an autopsy is typically the starting point of any inquest and directed all parties to file their witness statements ahead of the next hearing.
Family to Call Independent Experts
Pinheiro urged the court to proceed with the hearing, stating that the parents believe the death was unnatural and occurred during medical intervention.
He disclosed that the family intends to present evidence alleging gross medical negligence, including possible overdose, wrongful prescription, improper administration of propofol, and misdiagnosis.
According to him, five independent medical professionals will testify, including an anaesthesiologist, paediatric anaesthesia specialist, radiologist, intensivist, and the child’s father, who is also a medical doctor.
The family has also requested that Euracare preserve all physical and electronic records from January 6, 2026, including CCTV footage, monitoring data, pharmacy logs, internal communications, and morbidity and mortality reviews.
While Pinheiro suggested Euracare should open its defence, followed by the family and Atlantis Hospital, Magistrate Adetunji ruled that Euracare would present first, followed by the family, and then Atlantis.
Counsel to Atlantis told the court she became aware of the matter only a day earlier after receiving official correspondence. The Attorney-General’s representative urged the court to formally open the inquest, citing public interest in the case.
In a legal notice dated January 10, 2026, the parents accused Euracare, its anaesthesiologist, and attending personnel of breaching their duty of care.
The notice raised concerns including cumulative dosing of propofol in a critically ill child, inadequate airway protection during deep sedation, insufficient monitoring, lack of oxygen support during transfer, and alleged absence of essential resuscitation equipment.
The court adjourned proceedings until April 14, 2026, when the substantive inquest is expected to begin.
