Proceedings into the de.ath of the infant son of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have been halted by a coroner’s court in Igbosere, Lagos
The child, Nkanu Adichie-Esege, aged 21 months, passed away in January. He was born to the renowned author and her husband, Ivara Esege.
Court records indicate that the toddler was initially treated at Atlantis Paediatric Hospital before being referred to Euracare Multi Specialist Hospital, where he was admitted on January 6. He later died in the early hours of January 7 following medical intervention.
The presiding coroner, Atinuke Adetunji, ruled that the inquest would be paused pending further direction from the state’s chief coroner. Her decision came after a directive from the Lagos State Attorney General, Lawal Pedro.
Adetunji raised concerns over the initiation of a restorative justice process without the court’s knowledge, stressing that such actions undermine due process. She maintained that, under the principle of separation of powers, the attorney general cannot dictate how the court conducts its proceedings.
She said the matter would be referred to the chief coroner for guidance, after which a new date for the continuation of the inquest would be announced.
The magistrate also faulted the Attorney General’s office for engaging with parties connected to the case without formally notifying the court.
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