Coroner suspends hearing in inquest into Chimamanda’s son’s death

The coroner at the JIC Taylor Courthouse in Lagos Island has suspended the hearing into the death of 21-month-old Master Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, the son of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Ivara Esege.

Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji, who is overseeing the inquest, announced the suspension of proceedings, pending further directives from the chief coroner, Justice Mojisola Dada. The suspension came after a request from the Attorney General’s office to delay the hearing.

When the matter was called, counsel from the Attorney General’s office, Adebola Araba, informed the court that the AG had directed him to request the postponement until after a scheduled meeting between the AG and all involved parties. The meeting, set for May 12, 2026, was cited as the reason for the delay.

Araba told the court, “I have been directed to inform the court that a meeting between the AG of Lagos State and all counsel in this matter has been fixed for May 12, 2026. We urge the court to suspend the hearing of today and reschedule for after the meeting.”

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adeyinka Aderemi, who represents the parents of the deceased, confirmed that a letter from the AG’s office, dated April 23, 2026, had indicated the meeting would take place on May 5. However, the letter was updated to reflect the new date of May 12. Aderemi expressed frustration, explaining that the change came late, and the parents were expecting the hearing to continue as planned.

Magistrate Adetunji questioned why the AG’s office failed to inform the court directly about the letter, which was not communicated in advance. Araba responded that he was unaware of the contents of the letter and had only been instructed to inform the court about the rescheduled meeting.

Counsel for Atlantis Paediatric Hospital, Abiodun Layanu (SAN), and counsel for Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Taiwo Osiptan (SAN), also confirmed receiving the letters from the AG’s office, noting that the hearing would follow the court’s decision on the matter.

Aderemi, representing the Esege family, voiced concern over the lack of coordination and the impact on the parents, particularly the father of the deceased, who was present in court and had prepared to provide a sworn statement. “The interest of the parents is not being carried along,” Aderemi said. “If there is restorative justice, the AG should have taken action sooner.”

Magistrate Adetunji, after hearing from all parties, ruled to suspend further proceedings in the inquest until after the scheduled meeting with the Attorney General.

The inquest into the death of Master Nkanu began on February 25, 2026. Nkanu, who was initially admitted to Atlantis Paediatric Hospital in Lagos for a worsening illness, was later referred to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital for diagnostic procedures, including an MRI, lumbar puncture, and the insertion of a central line. Sadly, the child passed away on January 7, 2026, following these procedures, just hours after being admitted to Euracare.