Court suspends inquest into Chimamanda’s son’s death amid AG controversy

The Coroner’s Court sitting at the Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos has suspended proceedings in the inquest into the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, pending directives from the Chief Coroner, Justice Mojisola Dada.

Coroner Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji halted the hearing on Tuesday after receiving a request linked to the office of the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN).

In her ruling, the magistrate criticised the Attorney-General for what she described as an attempt to influence proceedings without formally notifying the court, stressing that the judiciary operates independently of the executive arm of government.

“The court is not under the Ministry of Justice. The Attorney-General does not have the authority to direct the court,” she said, adding that she would await further guidance before fixing a new hearing date.

Earlier, counsel from the Attorney-General’s office, Adebola Araba, had informed the court of a directive requesting suspension of proceedings pending a meeting between the Attorney-General and lawyers involved in the case, now scheduled for May 12, 2026.

However, counsel to the child’s parents, Adeyinka Aderemi (SAN), told the court that parties had initially been invited to a meeting fixed for the same day as the hearing, only to be notified late that it had been rescheduled. He argued that the development disrupted the proceedings and failed to consider the presence of the bereaved parents in court.

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

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

Meanwhile, Pedro has denied claims that his office directed the suspension of the inquest. He described such reports as false, insisting that only the coroner has the authority to halt proceedings.

According to him, the planned meeting with counsel was a routine engagement aimed at improving coordination and ensuring a faster resolution of the case.

He added that the initiative was informed by lessons from previous inquests, including that of late singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, which experienced delays.

Pedro maintained that the ministry’s actions were intended to support, not interfere with, the judicial process, and urged the public to disregard contrary claims.