A Lagos High Court has issued an order temporarily halting the coroner's inquest into the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, the son of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege. The suspension will remain in effect pending a judicial review of how the inquest was initiated and conducted.
The central issue in the case is whether the coroner's court had the legal authority to proceed with its investigation given the circumstances surrounding the child's death. A key point of contention is whether the coroner's court properly assumed jurisdiction, especially since Nkanu's body had already been cremated before the inquest process began. Additionally, questions have been raised about the absence of a post-mortem examination, which some legal experts argue is essential for establishing the cause of death in such proceedings.
Background of the Case
Nkanu Adichie-Esege passed away in January 2026. His death prompted calls for an official inquiry, leading to the opening of a coroner's inquest at the Yaba Magistrate Court in February 2026. Since then, the proceedings have faced multiple delays and procedural disagreements. The inquest first sat on 25 February, reconvened on 14 April, and briefly resumed on 5 May before being suspended pending discussions involving the Lagos State Attorney-General and the legal representatives of the parties involved.
Court's Decision
In granting permission for the judicial review, the Lagos High Court noted that the application raised significant issues relating to procedure and fairness that deserve fuller consideration. The court directed that all proceedings in the coroner's court remain suspended until the substantive application is heard and determined. The applicant has been given 14 days to file the main application, and the matter is scheduled to return to court on 8 June 2026.
For now, the coroner's inquest remains on hold while the High Court considers whether the process followed so far meets the requirements of the law. The outcome of the judicial review could not only determine the future of this particular inquest but also provide clarity on how similar cases are handled in the future.
