In a statement released on Thursday by Omawumi Ogbe, representing the family, it was announced that the 21-month-old passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, following a short illness.

The statement expressed the profound sorrow felt by the family and requested that the public honor their need for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.

“We are heartbroken to confirm the passing of one of Ms. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege’s twin sons, Nkanu Nnamdi, who left us on Wednesday, the 7th of January 2026, after a brief illness. He was just 21 months old.”

“We’re deeply saddened to confirm the passing of one of Ms Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege’s twin boys, Nkanu Nnamdi, who passed on Wednesday, 7th of January 2026, after a brief illness. He was 21 months old.”

The family is devastated by this profound loss, and we request that their privacy be respected during this incredibly difficult time. We ask for your grace and prayers as they mourn in private.

The family said they are grieving in private and asked for grace and prayers, adding that no further statements will be made as they navigate what was described as a time of immense loss.