Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji adjourned proceedings to the new date on Wednesday during the preliminary hearing. The toddler reportedly passed away on January 7, 2026, after receiving treatment at Atlantis Hospital and undergoing medical procedures at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos.
Court documents indicate that the child was first admitted to Atlantis Hospital for what was described as a worsening illness that had initially appeared mild. Plans were underway to transfer him abroad for specialist care at Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States, prompting a referral to Euracare for pre-flight diagnostic procedures. Tragically, the child died shortly after these medical interventions.
The parents have since alleged medical negligence and professional misconduct in connection with the circumstances surrounding their son’s death.
During the court session, Professor Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, announced his appearance for the family, while Adebola Rahman represented the Attorney-General of Lagos State. Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe of Health Ethics and Law Consulting appeared on behalf of Atlantis Hospital.
Magistrate Adetunji noted that the inquest was initiated following an application from the Chief Coroner of Lagos State, at the request of the Attorney-General. “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.
The magistrate emphasized that the proceedings must be approached carefully, underscoring that autopsy reports are critical for every inquest. “For every inquest, the starting point is that there must be an autopsy done to give us a professional report,” Adetunji stated.
The court is expected to reconvene on April 14, 2026, when the substantive inquest hearing will begin, providing a formal platform to examine the circumstances of the toddler’s death and assess claims of medical negligence.