The coroner sitting at the JIC Taylor Courthouse on Lagos Island has suspended proceedings in the inquest into the death of 21-month-old Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Ivara Esege.
Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji said the hearing would remain on hold pending further directives from the Chief Coroner, Justice Mojisola Dada.
Before adjourning, the magistrate openly questioned the conduct of the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, over the disruption of the day’s proceedings.
When the case was called, counsel from the Attorney General’s office, Adebola Araba, informed the court that he had been directed to request a suspension of the hearing until after a scheduled meeting between the Attorney General and all parties on May 12, 2026.
“We urge the court to suspend today’s proceedings and adjourn until after the meeting with the Attorney General,” Araba said.
However, counsel to the child’s parents, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Adeyinka Aderemi, told the court that an earlier letter had fixed the meeting for 2 p.m. the same day, and that the sudden rescheduling caused confusion.
He noted that the parents had expected the hearing to proceed before attending the meeting, especially as they were due to leave the country later in the week.
Magistrate Adetunji questioned why the Attorney General’s office communicated directly with parties without notifying the court. Araba responded that he was unaware of the earlier correspondence and was only acting on instructions.
Lawyers representing Atlantis Paediatric Hospital and Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital confirmed receiving separate letters dated April 23 and May 4, indicating the rescheduled meeting.
Aderemi criticised the development, arguing that it had effectively derailed the day’s proceedings and sidelined the interests of the bereaved family.
“The father of the deceased is in court and has sworn to a statement on oath. The matter ought to have proceeded,” he said.
After hearing all submissions, Magistrate Adetunji ruled to suspend further proceedings pending guidance from the Chief Coroner.
Background
The inquest began on February 25, 2026, following the death of Master Nkanu, who was admitted to Euracare Hospital on January 6 after being referred from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital.
He had initially been treated for a worsening but reportedly mild condition. Plans were underway to transfer him to the Johns Hopkins Hospital for advanced care, but he was referred to Euracare for pre-flight procedures, including an MRI and other interventions.
The child died in the early hours of January 7, shortly after undergoing the procedures.
