The Coroner’s Court sitting at the Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, on Tuesday suspended proceedings in the inquest into the death of 21-month-old Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege, pending further directives from the Chief Coroner.
Coroner Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji halted the hearing following a communication linked to the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro.
The matter, which has drawn public attention due to its sensitivity and the involvement of prominent figures, was suspended after what the court described as an improper procedural intervention.
Court queries Attorney-General’s intervention
In her ruling, Magistrate Adetunji criticised the manner in which the Attorney-General’s office handled the matter.
“I find it very appalling that the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), would take such steps without informing the court… the court is not under the Ministry of Justice,” she said.
She added that the Attorney-General does not have the authority to direct court proceedings, stressing the principle of separation of powers.
“I will report to the Chief Coroner for further directives. I will not assign any adjournment date until I receive directives from the Chief Coroner,” she ruled.
Government requests suspension
Earlier, counsel from the Attorney-General’s office, Adebola Araba, informed the court that parties had been directed to suspend proceedings pending a meeting scheduled for 12 May.
He said the meeting would involve all counsel in the matter.
However, counsel to the deceased’s parents, Mr Adeyinka Aderemi (SAN), said conflicting letters had been issued, creating confusion over whether proceedings should continue.
He told the court that while an earlier notice scheduled a meeting for 2 p.m. on Tuesday, parties were later informed it had been moved to 12 May.
Lawyers clash over procedure
Mr Aderemi argued that the shifting communication undermined the process, noting that the parents were present in court and had expected the hearing to proceed.
“The parents are here in court, and they will not be around after Friday,” he said.
Counsel for Atlantis Paediatric Hospital, Mr Abiodun Layonu (SAN), and Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Prof Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), confirmed receiving conflicting notices from the Attorney-General’s office.
The court also questioned why official correspondence was being issued without proper notification to judicial authorities.
Attorney-General denies interference
In a separate clarification, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN) denied claims that his office directed the suspension of the inquest.
He said the Ministry of Justice did not interfere in judicial proceedings, stressing that coroner decisions remain independent.
“At no time did the Office of the Attorney-General direct, request or intend that the coroner should suspend proceedings,” he said.
Mr Pedro explained that the planned meeting was part of a routine engagement to improve coordination and speed up inquest processes.
Background of the case
The inquest into Master Nkanu Esege’s death began on 25 February, 2026.
The child was initially admitted to Atlantis Paediatric Hospital in Lagos on 6 January, 2026, before being referred to Euracare Hospital for further diagnostic procedures ahead of a planned medical evacuation abroad.
He died in the early hours of 7 January, 2026, shortly after undergoing medical procedures.
The case has since raised questions about medical protocols, hospital responsibility, and procedural accountability in emergency pediatric care.
The latest suspension has reignited debate over the independence of coroner proceedings and the extent of executive influence in sensitive inquests.
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