A coroner’s court in Lagos State has fixed April 14, 2026, for the commencement of a formal inquest into the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, the son of Nigerian writer Chimamanda Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege.
The date was set on Wednesday at the Yaba Magistrate’s Court.
Nkanu passed away on January 7, 2026, after receiving treatment at Atlantis Hospital and later undergoing medical procedures at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos.
According to reports presented before the court, the child was first admitted due to a deteriorating health condition and was subsequently referred for additional tests and procedures.
Plans were reportedly underway to evacuate him to the United States for further medical care before his death occurred.
His parents have alleged medical negligence and professional misconduct, describing the circumstances of his death as “unnatural” and saying it happened while he was under medical supervision.
At a preliminary sitting, Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji adjourned proceedings to April 14 to allow all legal representatives and interested parties adequate time to prepare for the full hearing.
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She stated that the primary objective of the inquest would be to “determine the cause of death.”
Counsel to the family informed the court of their intention to call five independent medical experts, including specialists in anaesthesia, paediatric anaesthesia, radiology, and intensive care medicine.
The child’s father, who is also a medical practitioner, is expected to testify.
Legal representatives for the hospitals were present in court, and the magistrate directed all parties to file their witness statements ahead of the next hearing date.
An autopsy report is anticipated to play a key role in clarifying the medical circumstances surrounding the toddler’s death.
The inquest is scheduled to formally begin on April 14, 2026, when the court will hear evidence from both the family and the medical institutions involved.
