A Lagos coroner’s court on Thursday scheduled an inquest into the death of the 21-month-old son of author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
The case has renewed scrutiny of healthcare standards in Nigeria, where many patients who can afford it seek treatment abroad amid longstanding concerns over infrastructure and patient safety.
Who is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie?
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is widely regarded as one of the most influential writers of her generation, known globally for bestselling novels that explore identity, migration and modern African society. Her work and public lectures have also shaped international conversations on feminism, culture and representation.
What we know about the death of Adichie’s son
Adichie’s 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 tests, including an MRI scan, ahead of planned specialized treatment in the United States.
Family members have alleged gross medical negligence, saying the toddler may have received an overdose of the anesthetic propofol during sedation for imaging procedures. The court set April 14 as the inquest start date.
Adichie’s sister-in-law, physician Anthea Esege Nwandu, told local broadcaster TVC that the anesthesiologist failed to follow proper medical protocol and that the child suffered cardiac arrest while being transferred without ventilator support.
The case has intensified scrutiny of healthcare standards in Nigeria and prompted renewed calls for reforms as the inquest moves forward.
Between 15,000 and 16,000 doctors left Nigeria between 2020 and 2024. Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate said in 2024 the country had just 55,000 doctors for a population of 220 million.
Edited by: Jenipher Camino Gonzalez