Lagos court suspends inquest into death of Chimamanda’s son
The Coroner’s Court in Lagos has suspended the inquest into the death of Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege. The proceedings were halted after a request from the Lagos State Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), sparked controversy over the court’s independence. Multiple letters and meetings between legal parties led to confusion about the scheduling of the inquest. The Attorney-General has denied interfering with the court’s process.
What we know
- The inquest was suspended pending further directives from Chief Coroner Justice Mojisola Dada.
- A meeting involving the Attorney-General and all counsel was rescheduled to May 12, 2026, after initial plans set by a letter dated April 23, 2026.
- The child was admitted to Euracare Hospital on January 6, 2026, after referral from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital, and died on January 7, 2026.
- The inquest into the child’s death began on February 25, 2026.
- Lawal Pedro (SAN) denied that his office directed the court to halt proceedings, stating the suspension was solely the coroner’s decision.
