The Coroner’s Court sitting in Lagos on Tuesday 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, pending guidance from the state’s Chief Coroner, Justice Mojisola Dada. The inquest had been examining the circumstances surrounding the child’s death on January 7, 2026.
Coroner Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji halted the hearing after counsel from the Lagos State Ministry of Justice informed the court of a planned meeting convened by the Attorney-General for May 12, 2026, involving parties in the matter. In a brief ruling, the magistrate faulted the Attorney-General for taking steps that affected proceedings without formally notifying the court, stressing that the coroner’s court is not under the Ministry of Justice and cannot be directed by it.
Counsel to the child’s parents told the court that the family had expected the hearing to proceed, especially as they had already adjusted travel arrangements based on earlier communication. Lawyers representing the hospitals involved — Atlantis Paediatric Hospital and Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital — also acknowledged receiving notice of the rescheduled meeting and said they would abide by the court’s directive.
The inquest, which began in February, is probing events leading to the toddler’s death after he was reportedly referred from Atlantis to Euracare for pre-flight medical procedures ahead of a planned transfer abroad. Meanwhile, Lagos Attorney-General Lawal Pedro denied any attempt to influence or halt the proceedings, saying the planned meeting was part of routine efforts to improve coordination and speed up coroner’s inquests, not to interfere with the judicial process.
