The Yaba Magistrate Court in Lagos has set April 14, 2026, for the commencement of a coroner’s inquest into the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, son of celebrated writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege.
Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji fixed the date during a preliminary hearing held to outline procedures and prepare for the substantive proceedings. The inquest was initiated following a formal request by the Lagos State Attorney-General for a judicial probe into the circumstances surrounding the child’s passing, after which the Chief Coroner brought the matter before the court.
At the session, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kemi Pinheiro represented the family, while Adebola Rahman appeared for the state government.
The court directed all parties to file and exchange witness statements ahead of the next sitting to clearly define the issues in contention.
It also observed that an autopsy report would serve as a key reference point in determining the medical cause of death.
The family’s legal team indicated that it would present evidence questioning aspects of the medical care provided, including alleged lapses in treatment and clinical decisions. Plans have also been disclosed to call several independent medical specialists as witnesses, alongside the child’s father.
In addition, a request was made for relevant hospitals involved to preserve all physical and electronic records related to the incident.
