Coroner Begins Probe Into Death Of Adichie’s Son
Last update: February 25, 2026
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Coroner’s Court opens inquest into death of Nkanu Adichie-Esege...
The Lagos State Coroner’s Court has commenced an inquest into the death of Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who passed away on January 7, 2026, during medical treatment.
The preliminary hearing was held on February 25, 2026, before Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji at Court 4, Magistrate's Court, Yaba.
At the opening of proceedings, the magistrate conveyed condolences to the family and explained that the inquest is inquisitorial in nature, aimed at establishing the circumstances surrounding the death and preventing any recurrence.
Lead counsel to the family, Prof. ’Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), accepted the court’s condolences and assured full cooperation.
He stressed that the inquiry must thoroughly examine medical records to determine whether medical incompetence, gross negligence, improper monitoring, wrongful administration of drugs, including Propofol, misdiagnosis, or inappropriate treatment protocols played any role in the child’s death.
On behalf of the family, Pinheiro requested that the coroner compel the production of key materials, including CCTV footage from Euracare Hospital, qualifications of attending doctors, anaesthesia charts, monitoring logs, and complete electronic medical records.
He also disclosed that the family intends to call expert witnesses, including an anaesthesiologist, paediatrician, intensivist, radiologist, as well as the child’s father.
The Office of the Attorney General of Lagos State, represented by Adebola Araba, supported the inquest.
CBI News reports that representatives of Euracare and Atlantis Paediatric Hospital also indicated their readiness to participate in the proceedings.
Addressing the absence of an autopsy report, Prof. Pinheiro noted that although no autopsy had been conducted, Section 21(1) of the Coroner Systems Law permits an inquest to proceed in such circumstances.
The coroner agreed, observing that no party objected, though counsel from the Attorney General’s office remarked that an autopsy would ordinarily have been preferable.
On the order of testimony, the family’s counsel argued that the hospitals should present their evidence first, followed by the family’s rebuttal.
After considering submissions, the coroner directed that evidence would be taken in the following sequence: Euracare, the family, and Atlantis.
All testimonies are to be reduced to written witness statements and exchanged ahead of the next sitting.
Pinheiro further requested that the family be allowed to participate virtually.
The coroner indicated openness to the request, subject to a formal application to the Chief Registrar and payment of required fees, while clarifying that recordings of proceedings would not be permitted.
The inquest was adjourned to April 14 and May 5, 2026, for continuation.
