Lagos Court Sets Inquest Date for Chimamanda's Son

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

The inquest will take place at the Yaba Magistrate Court, presided over by Magistrate Atinuk Adetunji. The court session will outline the framework and scope of the inquiry, which arises from a request by the Lagos State Attorney General, noting the case's public interest.

The family alleges that Nkanu's death was unnatural due to medical intervention, citing gross medical negligence, including an overdose of improperly prescribed propofol and misdiagnosis. Nkanu was born on March 25, 2024, and was referred to Atlantic Pediatric Hospital on January 6, 2026, for various diagnostic procedures.

The family intends to present evidence of multiple inconsistencies in the hospital's account and claims that standard care protocols were not followed. The case has drawn significant attention, prompting the Lagos State Government to review the actions of the medical staff involved.