A coroner's court sitting at the Igbosere Magistrate Court on Lagos Island has suspended further proceedings in the inquest into the death of Nkanu Adichie-Esege, the 21-month-old son of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege.
According to reports, the hearing was halted on May 5 after the Lagos State Attorney-General's office informed the court that Attorney-General Lawal Pedro had directed the matter to be put on hold. The directive was issued pending a meeting with all parties scheduled for May 12, 2026.
The presiding coroner, Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji, criticized the directive, emphasizing the court's independence from the Ministry of Justice. She stated that the Attorney-General lacks the authority to stop court proceedings under the principle of separation of powers.
“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.
Counsel to the deceased’s family, Adeyinka Aderemi (SAN), informed the court that parties had been notified of a meeting initially set for Tuesday but were only informed late Monday that it had been rescheduled. He added that the child’s father was present in court and ready to testify before the proceedings were suspended.
The inquest, which began on February 25, is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of the author's second child. Nkanu reportedly died in the early hours of January 7, 2026, following procedures while arrangements were being made to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital for further treatment.
The matter is now expected to remain on hold pending further direction from the Chief Coroner, Justice Mojisola Dada.
