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Inquest date set for toddler's death
A formal inquiry into the death of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, will begin on 14 April at Lagos's Yaba Magistrate Court, the court confirmed this week.
Background to the case
Nkanu died on 7 January at Euracare hospital in Lagos after undergoing pre-flight medical tests, including an MRI and a lumbar puncture. His parents had planned to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore for further treatment following an initial admission at Atlantis Hospital for a worsening but reportedly mild illness.
Allegations of negligence
Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, have accused Euracare of negligence, claiming medical staff withheld oxygen and administered excessive sedation, which they say led to cardiac arrest. The hospital has denied any wrongdoing, stating its care met international standards and expressing "deepest sympathies" over the death.
Court proceedings
During a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji ordered all parties to submit witness statements ahead of the inquest. The court is expected to hear testimony from medical experts and hospital representatives as it seeks to determine the cause of Nkanu's death.
Legal filings and family details
In a legal notice filed three days after Nkanu's death, the family's lawyers accused Euracare of breaching its duty of care. The hospital has rejected the allegation.
Adichie, an internationally acclaimed author known for novels such as Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah, was born in Nigeria but now lives in the US. Nkanu was one of twin boys born via surrogate in 2024; Adichie also has a daughter, born in 2016.
Broader impact
The case has sparked public debate about patient safety in Nigeria's healthcare system.
