By Wellington Jopelo
Fresh tension has disrupted the ongoing inquest into the death of the toddler son of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, after the Lagos Coroner Court suspended proceedings over what it described as executive interference.
The hearing, taking place at the Igbosere Magistrate Court on Lagos Island, was halted by Coroner Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji, who said she would await further direction from Chief Coroner Justice Mojisola Dada before continuing.
The decision followed a communication from the office of the Lagos State Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro, requesting that the day’s sitting be put on hold pending a meeting with all parties in the case.
But the court did not take kindly to the move, openly criticising the process and questioning why such a directive was issued without first informing the court.
Magistrate Adetunji emphasised that the judiciary is independent and cannot be directed by the executive arm, warning against actions that appear to undermine that principle.
During proceedings, a state counsel explained that the Attorney-General had scheduled a meeting with lawyers in the matter, initially fixed for the same day but later postponed to May 12, 2026.
Counsel to the bereaved family pushed back, telling the court that the last-minute change disrupted plans, as the parents had travelled and were prepared for the hearing.
He added that the father of the deceased was present in court and ready to give sworn testimony, making the sudden suspension even more frustrating.
Lawyers representing the medical institutions involved also confirmed receiving separate letters from the Attorney-General’s office, reflecting changes in the meeting schedule.
The court, however, insisted that such administrative steps should not override judicial proceedings, leading to the decision to suspend the inquest indefinitely until further clarification.
The case centres on the death of 21-month-old Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, who was undergoing medical procedures after being referred between two Lagos hospitals.
He had initially been treated for an illness before being prepared for possible transfer abroad, but died in the early hours of January 7, 2026.
With the inquest now paused, the next step depends on directives from the Chief Coroner, as questions continue over both the child’s death and the handling of the legal process.