The Coroner’s Court sitting at the Igbosere Magistrate Court in Lagos has suspended proceedings in the ongoing inquest into the tragic death of Nkanu Adichie-Esege, the 21-month-old son of renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
The decision to halt the hearing was announced on Tuesday by Coroner Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji, following a directive from the Lagos State Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro, who called for a temporary suspension of the case pending a meeting with all parties involved on May 12, 2026.
However, the coroner strongly criticized the directive, emphasizing the independence of the judiciary and questioning the Attorney-General’s authority to interfere with court proceedings.
“It is appalling that such a step was taken without informing the court. The Attorney-General does not have the power to direct the court,” she stated.
Legal counsel to the deceased child’s parents, Adeyinka Aderemi (SAN), told the court that the child’s father was present and prepared to testify before the sudden suspension.
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He also revealed that the parties were initially scheduled for a meeting earlier but were only notified of the change late Monday.
The inquest, which began on February 25, 2026, is investigating the circumstances surrounding the toddler’s death.
Nkanu was reportedly referred from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital for medical procedures before his condition worsened.
He sadly passed away in the early hours of January 7, 2026, while arrangements were being made to transfer him abroad for further treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
The case has drawn significant public attention, raising concerns about medical accountability and legal boundaries in Nigeria’s judicial process.
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