Chimamanda Adichie accuses Lagos hospital of obstructing inquest into toddler son's death

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a Nigerian writer, has accused Lagos's Euracare Hospital of impeding the coronial inquest regarding the death of her 21-month-old son, Nknau, on January 7, 2025. This inquiry, which was postponed from April, has faced delays that Adichie claims are due to the hospital's actions, which she describes as having "stalled and muddied" the proceedings. She has sought intervention from Nigeria's Federal High Court to halt the inquiry. An investigation by the Medical and Dental Council suggested potential medical negligence by the hospital. Nknau, who was born through surrogacy in 2024, passed away following various tests, including an MRI. The hospital cited bacterial meningitis as the cause of death, a claim Adichie contests, alleging inadequate oxygen and excessive sedation. Euracare has denied any wrongdoing and extended condolences. This letter represents Adichie's first public statement since the incident.