A coroner’s court sitting at the Igbosere Magistrate Court has suspended proceedings in the inquest into the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege.

The suspension followed a directive from the office of the Lagos State Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro, asking that the matter be put on hold pending a meeting with all parties scheduled for 12 May 2026.

However, the presiding coroner, Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji, criticised the move, stressing the independence of the court. She described the directive as inappropriate, noting that under the principle of separation of powers, the Attorney-General does not have authority to halt court proceedings.

Counsel to the deceased’s family, Adeyinka Aderemi (SAN), told the court that the child’s father was present and prepared to testify. He added that parties had initially been invited to a meeting slated for Tuesday but were only informed late on Monday that it had been rescheduled.

The inquest, which began on 25 February, is examining the circumstances surrounding the child’s death. Nkanu had been referred from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital for medical procedures before his death in the early hours of 7 January 2026. Plans had reportedly been underway to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States.

The court is expected to resume proceedings after further directives from the Chief Coroner, Justice Mojisola Dada.

Source: Punch