A Coroner’s court sitting at Igbosere in Lagos State has suspended the inquest into the death of 21-month-old Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, the son of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege.
The tragic incident occurred in January when the child, who had been admitted to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos on January 6 following a referral from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital, passed away early on January 7 after undergoing medical procedures.
Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji, the presiding Coroner, announced the suspension of proceedings on Tuesday, stating that the inquest would remain on hold pending further directives from the Chief Coroner of Lagos State. The suspension follows a directive from Lagos State Attorney-General, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), who raised concerns over the initiation of a restorative justice meeting without prior notice to the court.
Adetunji expressed her dissatisfaction with the Attorney-General’s office for communicating directly with parties involved in the inquest without informing the court. She emphasized the principle of separation of powers, stating that the Attorney-General did not have the authority to influence court proceedings. As a result, the Coroner referred the matter to the Chief Coroner and awaited his guidance before rescheduling the inquest.
Mr. Adebola Araba, representing the Lagos State Attorney-General’s office, informed the court of a meeting scheduled for May 12, which would involve the parties in the case. He requested the court to suspend proceedings in the inquest until after this meeting.
Counsel for the bereaved family, Mr. Adeyinka Aderemi (SAN), confirmed that they had received a letter dated April 23 from the Attorney-General’s office about the meeting. Aderemi also noted that the meeting had originally been scheduled for May 5 but was later moved to May 12. He pointed out that this change affected their plans and delayed the opportunity for the father of the child to give his statement under oath in court.
Counsel for Atlantis Hospital, Mr. Abiodun Layanu (SAN), and counsel for Euracare, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), both confirmed receiving letters regarding the rescheduled meeting and indicated their willingness to comply with the court’s directive.
The inquest, which began on February 25, is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Nkanu, who was being prepared for transfer to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the U.S. for advanced care when he died.
