The Coroner’s Court at Igbosere Magistrate Court, Lagos Island, has indefinitely suspended proceedings into the death of 21-month-old Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege.
Presiding Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji halted the inquest on Tuesday following a last-minute directive from the Lagos State Attorney General, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), ordering a suspension pending a meeting with all parties on May 12, 2026.
Magistrate Adetunji criticised the move, stating the Coroner’s Court is independent of the Ministry of Justice.
“I find it very appalling that the Attorney General will take such steps without informing the court.
“The court is not under the Ministry of Justice. The AG does not have the power under the separation of powers to direct the court,” she said.
The Magistrate added she would report to the Chief Coroner, Justice Mojisola Dada, for further directives and would not set a new adjournment date until then.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Adebola Araba, counsel from the Attorney General’s office told the court he was instructed to request a suspension until after the AG’s May 12 meeting with all counsel.
However, Adeyinka Aderemi (SAN), counsel to the deceased’s parents, said they had received a letter dated April 23, 2026, scheduling the AG’s meeting for 2pm Tuesday.
The meeting was moved to May 12 only the night before.
Dr Esege, who was present in court with a sworn statement, had planned to testify before attending the AG’s meeting.
Aderemi argued the parents’ interests were not being prioritised, adding that, “If the AG is sincere, he should be up and doing. If there is restorative justice, he should have called the meeting before now.”
Counsel for Atlantis Paediatric Hospital, Abiodun Layonu (SAN), and Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Prof. Taiwo Osiptan (SAN), confirmed receiving letters from the AG’s office dated April 23 and May 4, 2026, rescheduling the meeting to May 12.
The inquest into Master Nkanu Nnamdi Esege’s death began on February 25, 2026. The toddler was initially admitted to Atlantis Paediatric Hospital in Lagos for what was described as a worsening but initially mild illness.
He was referred to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital on January 6, 2026, for pre-flight diagnostic procedures, including an MRI, lumbar puncture, and central line insertion, ahead of a planned transfer to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the U.S.
He died in the early hours of January 7, 2026, following the procedures.
The Coroner’s Court now awaits directives from the Chief Coroner before proceedings can resume.
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