Court halts Adichie-Esege child’s inquest amid AG intervention controversy

The Coroner’s Court sitting at the Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos has suspended further proceedings in the inquest into the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege.

Coroner Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji halted the hearing on Tuesday, pending directives from the Chief Coroner, Justice Mojisola Dada, following a request relayed by the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN).

 

In a brief ruling, Adetunji criticised the Attorney-General’s office for attempting to influence proceedings without formally notifying the court.

 

“I find it very appalling that the Attorney-General of Lagos State would take such steps without informing the court,” she said, stressing that the court operates independently of the Ministry of Justice.

 

“The Attorney-General does not have the power, under the principle of separation of powers, to direct the court,” she added, noting that no adjournment date would be fixed until further guidance is received from the Chief Coroner.

 

Earlier, counsel from the Attorney-General’s office, Adebola Araba, told the court he had been instructed to request a suspension of proceedings pending a meeting between the Attorney-General and counsel in the matter, now scheduled for May 12, 2026.

 

However, counsel to the deceased’s parents, Adeyinka Aderemi (SAN), said parties had initially been invited to a meeting on May 5 and were only informed late Monday that it had been rescheduled.

 

He expressed concern that the development disrupted the hearing, noting that the child’s parents were present in court and might not be available after the week.

 

“If the Attorney-General is sincere, he should be up and doing. This letter has effectively truncated today’s hearing,” Aderemi said.

 

Other counsel, including representatives of Atlantis Paediatric Hospital and Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, confirmed receiving separate communications from the Attorney-General’s office regarding the rescheduled meeting.

 

The inquest, which began on February 25, 2026, is probing the circumstances surrounding the child’s death after medical procedures at Euracare Hospital, following a referral from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital.

 

Nkanu was admitted on January 6 for urgent procedures, including an MRI scan and lumbar puncture, but died in the early hours of January 7.

 

Meanwhile, Attorney-General Lawal Pedro has denied directing the suspension of the inquest, describing such claims as false.

 

He said the planned meeting with counsel was part of efforts to improve coordination and ensure the timely conclusion of the proceedings, not to interfere with the judicial process.

 

“At no time did the Office of the Attorney-General direct or request the coroner to suspend proceedings,” Pedro said.

 

He added that the initiative was informed by past delays in similar inquests and aimed at promoting efficiency in the justice system.