Coroner suspends inquest into death of Chimamanda Adichie’s son

n n

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 author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege, pending directives from the Chief Coroner, Justice Mojisola Dada.

n

The proceedings were halted after counsel from the Lagos State Attorney-General’s office informed the court that Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro, had directed that the matter be suspended until after a meeting with all parties scheduled for May 12, 2026.

n

Coroner Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji, however, faulted the directive, stressing that the court was independent of the Ministry of Justice.

n

“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.

n

Counsel for the deceased’s parents, Adeyinka Aderemi (SAN), told the court that parties had earlier received a letter fixing the meeting for Tuesday, but were only informed late Monday that it had been rescheduled.

n

He said the father of the deceased was present in court and ready to testify.

n

The inquest, which began on February 25, is probing the circumstances surrounding Nkanu’s death after he was referred from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital for medical procedures.

n

The child reportedly died in the early hours of January 7, 2026, following the procedures, while arrangements were being made to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital.

n n