Inquest into Chimamanda Adichie's Son's Death Set for April

The inquest into the death of Nkanu Nnamdi Eseg, the 21-month-old son of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, is set to begin on April 14, 2026. Nkanu was admitted to Euracar Multi Specialist Hospital in Lagos on January 7, 2026, after his condition worsened at Atlantic Hospital.

The family alleges medical negligence, claiming that improper administration of propofol and misdiagnosis contributed to his death. They plan to present evidence of gross medical negligence, including the possibility of an overdose from a wrong prescription.

The family’s lawyer, Prof. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, stated that five independent medical experts, including an anesthesiologist, will be called to testify. The father, Dr. Ivara Eseg, is a medical doctor at Euracar Hospital, which denies any wrongdoing, asserting that Nkanu was critically ill upon arrival.

Magistrate Atinuk Adetunji has adjourned the matter, directing parties to file witness statements before the next court date. The Lagos State government has expressed interest in the case, seeking a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding Nkanu's death.