The Coroner’s Court sitting at the Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos Island, on Tuesday suspended further hearing in the inquest into the death of 21-month-old Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege, pending instructions from the Chief Coroner, Justice Mojisola Dada.
Coroner Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji halted proceedings after receiving a request communicated through the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN).
In her ruling, Adetunji expressed displeasure over what she described as an improper attempt to halt proceedings without formally notifying the court.
“I find it very appalling that the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), would take such steps without informing the court.
“The court is not under the Ministry of Justice. The Attorney-General does not have the power, under the principle of separation of powers, to direct the court.
“I will report to the Chief Coroner for further directives. I will not assign any adjournment date until I receive directives from the Chief Coroner,” she ruled.
Earlier in the proceedings, counsel from the Attorney-General’s office, Adebola Araba, told the court he was instructed to request an adjournment pending a meeting between the Attorney-General and all counsel in the matter.
Araba said the meeting was scheduled for May 12, 2026.
“I have been directed to inform the court that a meeting between the Attorney-General of Lagos State and all counsel appearing in this matter has been scheduled for May 12, 2026.
“We urge the court to suspend today’s proceedings and fix a hearing date after the meeting,” he said.
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However, counsel to the deceased’s parents, Adeyinka Aderemi (SAN), said his clients had earlier received a letter dated April 23, 2026, indicating that a meeting was fixed for 2 p.m. on Tuesday.
He explained that lawyers were later informed late Monday night that the meeting had been shifted to May 12.
“We received a letter dated April 23, 2026, signed by Olamide Ibrahim from the Attorney-General’s office, fixing the meeting for today at 2 p.m.
“It was only last night that we were informed that the meeting had been shifted to May 12. Based on the earlier notice, we believed today’s hearing would proceed and that we would attend the meeting afterwards.
“The parents are here in court, and they will not be around after Friday,” Aderemi said.
The magistrate questioned why the Attorney-General’s office communicated with parties without informing the court directly.
Counsel for Atlantis Paediatric Hospital, Abiodun Layonu (SAN), confirmed receiving both communications from the Attorney-General’s office and said his client would comply with the court’s decision.
Aderemi also told the court that Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) had apologised for his inability to attend the hearing.
“If the Attorney-General is sincere, he should be up and doing. If there is restorative justice, he should have called the meeting before now.
“This letter has effectively truncated today’s hearing.
“The father of the deceased is in court and has already sworn his statement on oath. I had expected the court to hear it today,” he added.
Counsel for Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Prof Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), also confirmed receipt of the meeting notices dated April 23 and May 4, 2026.
The inquest, which began on February 25, 2026, is investigating the circumstances surrounding the child’s death after he was admitted to Euracare Hospital following a referral from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital for emergency procedures.
The child had earlier been admitted at Atlantis Hospital for a worsening illness before being referred for advanced diagnostics, including MRI scan and lumbar puncture, ahead of a planned medical trip abroad.
He, however, died on January 7, 2026, shortly after the procedures were carried out.
Meanwhile, Attorney-General Lawal Pedro (SAN) has denied claims that his office ordered the suspension of the proceedings.
“At no time did the Office of the Attorney-General direct, request or intend that the coroner should suspend proceedings,” he said.
He explained that the planned meeting with counsel was part of efforts to improve coordination and ensure faster resolution of coroners’ inquests in Lagos State.
“The engagement was designed to enhance coordination and ensure that the inquest is concluded expeditiously in the interest of justice,” Pedro said.
He added that the initiative was informed by lessons from previous inquests, including that of late singer Mohbad, which experienced delays.
Pedro maintained that the process was never intended to interfere with judicial proceedings, but rather to promote efficiency and better case management in the justice system.