The Coroner’s Court sitting at the Igbosere Magistrate Court, Lagos Island, on Tuesday suspended further hearing in the inquest into the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of renowned author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Dr Ivara Esege.
Papers News reports that the suspension followed a directive from the Lagos State Attorney-General’s office that proceedings be halted pending a meeting with all parties in the matter.
The court said further hearing would remain suspended pending directives from the Chief Coroner, Justice Mojisola Dada.
During Tuesday’s sitting, counsel from the Lagos State Attorney-General’s office informed the court that the Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro, had directed that the inquest be suspended until after a meeting scheduled for May 12, 2026.
The meeting, according to the state, is expected to involve all parties connected to the matter.
However, the development stalled the day’s proceedings, despite the presence of the deceased’s father, Dr Esege, who was said to be ready to testify.
Coroner Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji faulted the directive from the Attorney-General’s office, stressing that the court was independent of the Ministry of Justice.
Adetunji said the Attorney-General ought to have formally informed the court before taking any step capable of affecting the proceedings.
“I find it very appalling that the Attorney-General would take such steps without informing the court. The AG does not have the power, under the principle of separation of powers, to direct the court,” she ruled.
The magistrate subsequently suspended further hearing while awaiting guidance from the Chief Coroner.
Counsel for the deceased’s parents, Adeyinka Aderemi, SAN, told the court that parties had earlier received a letter fixing a meeting for Tuesday.
He said they were, however, informed late Monday that the meeting had been rescheduled.
Aderemi added that Dr Esege was present in court and prepared to give his testimony before the proceedings were halted.
Inquest Began In February
Papers News reports that the inquest began on February 25 to examine the circumstances surrounding Nkanu’s death.
The child was reportedly referred from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital for medical procedures.
He was said to have died in the early hours of January 7, 2026, after the procedures, while arrangements were being made to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital.
The coroner’s inquest is expected to determine the events leading to the child’s death and whether any person or institution bears responsibility.
