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| Chimamanda Adichie |
Lagos State’s judiciary will launch a coroner’s inquest on April 14 into the tragic death of Chimamanda Adichie’s 21-month-old son, Nkanu, one of her twins.
Nkanu passed away on January 7, 2026, amid complications from preparatory medical procedures. Adichie issued a legal notice to the hospital, accusing it of medical negligence and professional misconduct.
Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji scheduled the inquest after introductions from all parties at Yaba Magistrate Court. Kemi Pinheiro represents the family; Adebola Rahman speaks for the Lagos State Attorney-General; Cheluchi Onyemelukwe acts for Atlantis Hospital, which referred the family to Euracare (also legally represented).
Adetunji noted the inquest stems from the Attorney-General’s request, stressing that both the state and Adichie’s family share the grief of this profound loss.
Kemi Pinheiro appeared for the family, Adebola Rahman represented the Lagos state attorney-general while Cheluchi Onyemelukwe stood for Atlantis, the hospital that referred the family to Euracare. Euracare also had its own representation.
During the preliminary meeting, Adetunji said the inquest is being conducted at the request of the attorney-general, adding that the Lagos government, like the family, is affected by the loss.
“The Lagos State Government is also bereaved; that is why the Attorney-General has taken this step. It is not just the family of the deceased that is affected,” she said.
After the preliminary session, the magistrate directed all parties to submit their witness statements ahead of the next hearing, emphasising that the court’s main goal is to determine the cause of death.
Adetunji noted that the inquest will begin with an autopsy.
Chimamanda’s lawyer, according to TheCable, urged the court to proceed with the case, saying the family intends to present evidence of alleged “gross medical negligence, possible overdose, wrongful prescription, improper administration of propofol, and wrongful diagnosis”.
He added that five independent medical experts, along with the child’s father who is also a doctor, are expected to testify. He also requested that the hospital preserve all relevant physical and digital records, including CCTV footage, medical data, pharmacy logs, equipment records, and internal reports.
The magistrate ruled that Euracare will present its account first, followed by the Adichie family and then Atlantis.
The hearing was adjourned to April 14 for the formal commencement of the inquest.
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