A Lagos coroner has paused proceedings into a toddler’s death after a directive from the Attorney-General sparked legal disagreement
A Coroner’s Court sitting at the Igbosere Magistrate Court, Lagos Island, has suspended further hearing in the inquest into the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege, pending directives from the Chief Coroner, Justice Mojisola Dada.
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Coroner Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji ordered the suspension on Tuesday after counsel from the Lagos State Attorney-General’s office informed the court of a directive issued by Attorney-General Lawal Pedro.
The directive requested a pause in proceedings until after a meeting with all parties scheduled for May 12, 2026.
Coroner Atinuke Adetunji, however, strongly faulted the move, describing it as inappropriate and inconsistent with the principle of separation of powers.
Coroner Atinuke Adetunji stressed that the court operates independently of the Ministry of Justice and cannot be directed by the executive arm.
Counsel to the deceased’s parents, Adeyinka Aderemi (SAN), told the court that parties had earlier received communication fixing the meeting for Tuesday but were only notified late on Monday that it had been rescheduled.
Adeyinka Aderemi added that the child’s father was present in court and prepared to testify before the sudden development.
The inquest, which commenced on February 25, is investigating the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
Nkanu Adichie-Esege was reportedly referred from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital for medical procedures.
According to submissions before the court, the toddler died in the early hours of January 7, 2026, following the procedures, while arrangements were underway to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital for further care.
The case has drawn significant public attention, with legal observers noting the rare tension between judicial authority and executive influence.
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Further proceedings are expected to resume upon directives from the Chief Coroner after the scheduled stakeholders’ meeting.
