The Coroner’s inquest into the death of 21‑month‑old Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, son of acclaimed Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, is set to begin at the Yaba Magistrate Court on April 14.

The inquest, to be presided over by Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji, will examine the circumstances surrounding the toddler’s death following treatment at two Lagos medical facilities, Atlantis Hospital and Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital.

Nkanu was first admitted to Atlantis Hospital with what was initially described as a mild illness that later worsened. As his condition deteriorated, plans were reportedly underway to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States for further care.

Before the planned evacuation, Atlantis referred the child to Euracare for pre-flight diagnostic and stabilisation procedures. These included an MRI scan, a lumbar puncture, and the insertion of a central line, all standard but invasive interventions typically used in complex paediatric cases.

The boy died shortly after these procedures, prompting his parents to allege medical negligence and professional misconduct. Their complaints triggered official scrutiny and ultimately led to the opening of a coroner’s inquest under Lagos State’s legal framework for investigating suspicious or medically contested deaths.

At the brief court session where the date was fixed, senior lawyer Professor Kemi Pinheiro SAN appeared for the bereaved family. The Lagos State government was represented by counsel Adebola Rahman on behalf of the Attorney-General, underscoring the public interest dimension of the case.

Atlantis Hospital was represented by Professor Cheluchi Onyemelukwe of Health Ethics and Law Consulting, while Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital also had legal representation in court, signalling that both institutions are preparing to defend their clinical decisions and standards of care.

The inquest is expected to call medical personnel, expert witnesses, and possibly regulatory authorities to determine what happened between the child’s admission and his death, and whether any acts or omissions contributed to the tragedy.

While the coroner’s findings will not amount to a criminal conviction, they could have far-reaching implications for medical practice, hospital accountability, and patient safety protocols in Lagos and beyond.

The matter has been adjourned to April 14 for the formal commencement of hearings.