A coroner’s inquest into the death of the 21-month-old son of acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is set to formally begin on 14 April, following a preliminary hearing at the Yaba Magistrate Court.
The toddler, Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, died roughly seven weeks ago at Euracare Hospital, prompting allegations of medical negligence by his family. During Wednesday’s preliminary session, Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji directed all parties to file their witness statements ahead of the full inquest proceedings.
Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, have accused Euracare of breaching its duty of care. According to submissions by their legal team, medical staff allegedly denied the child oxygen and administered excessive sedation, which they say led to cardiac arrest.
In a legal notice issued three days after the child’s death, the family formally alleged negligence. The hospital, however, expressed its “deepest sympathies” to the family while denying wrongdoing, maintaining that its care was consistent with international medical standards.
Court filings indicate that Nkanu was initially admitted to Atlantis Hospital with what was described as a worsening but mild illness. Plans were reportedly underway to transfer him to the United States for further treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Before the planned transfer, Atlantis Hospital referred the toddler to Euracare for pre-flight investigations, including an MRI scan and a lumbar puncture. He died on 7 January after undergoing the procedures.
The inquest is expected to hear testimony from medical experts and hospital representatives as the coroner seeks to establish the circumstances and cause of death.
Adichie, 48, is an award-winning novelist best known for works such as Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah. Born and raised in Nigeria, she is now based in the United States. She welcomed her first child, a daughter, in 2016, and in 2024 had twin boys through a surrogate, one of whom was Nkanu.
The child’s death has sparked renewed debate about patient safety and standards of care within Nigeria’s healthcare system, with advocacy groups calling for greater accountability and reform.
