Lagos court fixes April 14 for inquest into death of Chimamanda’s son

The Lagos Coroner’s Court has scheduled April 14, 2026, for the commencement of a formal inquest into the death of 21-month-old Master Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, son of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege.

The inquest will take place at the Yaba Magistrate Court, where proceedings are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

Court Proceedings So Far

Presiding magistrate, Atinuke Adetunji, adjourned the case after an initial hearing focused on defining the scope and framework of the inquiry.

According to court filings, the child was being prepared for transfer to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States for advanced medical care. However, he was first referred from Atlantis Hospital to Euracare for pre-flight diagnostic procedures.

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These procedures reportedly included:

• Echocardiogram

• Brain MRI

• Lumbar puncture

• PICC line insertion

• Intravenous sedation using propofol

Tragically, the child died shortly after these procedures were carried out.

Legal Representation and Government Involvement

At the hearing:

• Prof. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) represented the family

• The Lagos State Government was represented by Adebola Rahman from the Attorney-General’s office

• Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe appeared for Atlantis Hospital

The magistrate emphasized that the case is of public interest, noting that the Lagos State Government is also deeply concerned about the outcome.

Allegations of Medical Negligence

Counsel to the family stated that the parents believe their son’s death was unnatural and occurred during medical intervention.

The family plans to present evidence alleging:

• Gross medical negligence

• Possible overdose

• Wrongful prescription

• Improper administration of propofol

• Misdiagnosis

An autopsy is expected to play a central role in determining the cause of death.

Background of the Incident

The child, born on March 25, 2024, was referred for medical investigations on January 6, 2026, and reportedly died in the early hours of January 7, 2026, following complications during and after the procedures.

A relative, Dr. Anthea Esege Nwandu, has publicly challenged the hospital’s account, alleging that standard medical protocols were not followed, including:

• Continuous oxygen supply

• Proper monitoring

• Equipped emergency transfer procedures

Wider Concerns About Medical Negligence in Nigeria

This case has reignited concerns about alleged medical negligence in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

A similar controversy arose in 2022 following the death of Rico Swavey, a former Big Brother Naija housemate, who reportedly died after alleged mismanagement by hospital staff in Lagos.

Despite public outrage and government attention at the time, no legal action was ultimately take.

Credi: Nairametrics.