Lagos Begins Inquest Into Death of Chimamanda's Son

The Lagos State government has commenced an inquest into the death of Nkanu Adichie, the son of internationally acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who died on January 7, 2026, during medical treatment. A preliminary session was held on February 25, 2026, presided over by Magistrate Atinuk Adetunji at Court 4 in Yaba.

During the proceedings, Magistrate Adetunji expressed condolences to the family and explained that the inquest is inquisitorial in nature, aimed at uncovering the circumstances surrounding the child's death to prevent future occurrences. The family's lead counsel, Prof. Kemi Pinheiro SAN, accepted the condolences and assured the court of the family's full cooperation.

The inquest will thoroughly examine medical records to determine if there was any medical incompetence, gross negligence, improper monitoring, or wrong drug administration, including propofol, that contributed to the child's death. The family intends to call expert witnesses, and the court has accepted that the inquest can proceed even without an autopsy report.