The Lagos State Judiciary has scheduled April 14, 2026, for the commencement of a coroner’s inquest into the death of Nkanu, the 21-month-old son of acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Nkanu passed away on January 7, 2026, following complications linked to preparatory medical procedures, according to earlier reports.
The date for the inquest was fixed by Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji of the Yaba Magistrate Court after legal representatives for all parties announced their appearances in court.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kemi Pinheiro appeared for the Adichie family, while Adebola Rahman represented the Lagos State Attorney-General. Counsel for Atlantis Hospital and Euracare were also present.
The inquest was initiated at the instance of the Attorney-General, the magistrate noted, stressing that the state government has a direct interest in uncovering the facts surrounding the child’s death.
According to her, the proceedings are not only about the bereaved family but also about the broader public interest.
The court directed all parties to file and exchange witness statements before the hearing date. Magistrate Adetunji stated that the central aim of the inquest is to establish the precise cause of death.
Proceedings will begin with the presentation of the autopsy report.
Counsel to the family indicated plans to present evidence alleging gross medical negligence. The claims include possible overdose, wrongful prescription, improper administration of propofol and misdiagnosis.
The family is expected to call five independent medical experts to testify, along with the child’s father, who is a medical doctor.
The magistrate ruled that Euracare will open its case at the start of the inquest, followed by the Adichie family’s presentation of evidence, after which Atlantis Hospital will respond.
The matter was adjourned until April 14 for the formal commencement of proceedings.
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