By Our Correspondent
National News – A Coroner’s Court sitting at Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Tuesday suspended proceedings into the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege.
The suspension followed controversy over the alleged intervention of the Lagos State Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), prompting the coroner to seek further directives from the Chief Coroner, Justice Mojisola Dada.
The presiding magistrate, Atinuke Adetunji, halted the inquest after a representative from the Attorney-General’s office requested a pause in proceedings pending a scheduled stakeholders’ meeting on May 12, 2026.
However, the magistrate criticised the move, stating that the Attorney-General lacks the authority to direct court proceedings under the principle of separation of powers.
The dispute arose after counsel to the deceased’s parents argued that the sudden postponement disrupted the hearing, especially as the child’s father was present and ready to testify.
Legal representatives also revealed inconsistencies in communication from the Attorney-General’s office, noting that an earlier meeting had been fixed for May 5 before being rescheduled at short notice.
The case centres on the tragic death of the toddler, who was admitted to Euracare Hospital on January 6, 2026, after being referred from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital for urgent medical procedures.
He reportedly died in the early hours of January 7 following diagnostic interventions, including an MRI scan and other treatments, raising concerns that led to the coroner’s inquest which began on February 25.
Meanwhile, the Attorney-General has denied any involvement in halting the proceedings, insisting that his office only sought to improve coordination and speed up the inquest process.
He explained that the planned meeting aims to ensure efficiency and avoid delays, citing lessons from previous prolonged inquests.
The coroner has now deferred further action until receiving guidance from the Chief Coroner, leaving the case temporarily unresolved.
