Nigeria: Inquest Scheduled Over Death of Renowned Writer Adichie’s Son

A Lagos coroner’s court will hold an inquest into the death of the 21-month-old son of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The family alleges medical negligence during a hospital procedure, renewing concerns about healthcare standards and doctor shortages in Nigeria.

A Lagos coroner’s court on Thursday scheduled an inquest into the death of the 21-month-old son of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a development that has drawn national attention and reignited debate over patient safety and healthcare standards in Nigeria.
The case has renewed scrutiny of the country’s medical system, particularly concerns about infrastructure, staffing shortages, regulatory oversight, and the quality of emergency response in private and public hospitals. For years, many Nigerians who can afford it have sought medical treatment abroad, citing limited specialist availability, outdated equipment, and fears about clinical safety within the domestic healthcare system.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is widely regarded as one of the most influential writers of her generation. The internationally acclaimed author is known for bestselling novels that explore identity, migration, gender, and contemporary African society. Beyond literature, her essays, public lectures, and advocacy have shaped global conversations on feminism, cultural identity, and representation, earning her a prominent voice on social and political issues.
Her son, Nkanu, died in early January after what the family described as a brief illness. He had been admitted to Euracare Multispecialist Hospital in Lagos for diagnostic procedures, including a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, in preparation for planned specialized treatment in the United States.
Family members have alleged gross medical negligence in connection with the toddler’s death. According to their account, the child may have received an excessive dose of the anesthetic drug propofol during sedation for imaging procedures. Propofol is commonly used to induce and maintain sedation, particularly during short medical procedures, but it requires careful dosing and close monitoring due to its potential to depress breathing and cardiac function.
The court fixed April 14 as the date for the commencement of the inquest, which is expected to examine the sequence of medical decisions, the drugs administered, the monitoring procedures followed, and whether established clinical protocols were adhered to.
Adichie’s sister-in-law, physician Anthea Esege Nwandu, told local broadcaster TVC that the anesthesiologist involved failed to follow proper medical protocol. She alleged that the child suffered cardiac arrest while being transferred and that he was moved without ventilator support, raising further concerns about emergency response measures within the facility.
The hospital has not publicly released detailed findings regarding the circumstances of the incident. The inquest is expected to provide a formal legal forum to review medical records, hear expert testimony, and determine whether negligence occurred.
The tragedy has intensified public scrutiny of Nigeria’s healthcare sector at a time when the country is grappling with a significant shortage of medical professionals. Between 2020 and 2024, an estimated 15,000 to 16,000 doctors left Nigeria in search of better working conditions and opportunities abroad, a phenomenon widely referred to as “brain drain.”
In 2024, Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate disclosed that the country had approximately 55,000 doctors serving a population of about 220 million people. The figures underscore the strain on the healthcare system and have fueled renewed calls from medical associations, civil society groups, and policy advocates for structural reforms, improved regulation, better remuneration for healthcare workers, and stronger patient safety mechanisms.
As the inquest approaches, the case continues to generate public debate, with many Nigerians watching closely for accountability and broader reforms aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.