Coroner Suspends Inquest Into Death Of Chimamanda’s Son

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 Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege.

The inquest was halted pending directives from the Chief Coroner, Justice Mojisola Dada, following a controversial intervention by the Lagos State Attorney-General.

Counsel from the Lagos State Ministry of Justice informed the court that the Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro, had directed that proceedings to be suspended until after a meeting with all parties scheduled for May 12, 2026.

However, Coroner Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji strongly faulted the directive, insisting that the court operates independently of the executive arm of government.

“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 parents, Adeyinka Aderemi (SAN), told the court that all parties had initially received communication scheduling the meeting for Tuesday, but were only notified late Monday that it had been postponed.

He added that the child’s father was present in court and prepared to testify before the abrupt suspension of proceedings.

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

LEADERSHIP reports that Nkanu Adichie-Esege died in the early hours of January 7, 2026, following the procedures, while arrangements were underway to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States.