A Coroner’s Court sitting at Igbosere in Lagos State has suspended proceedings in the inquest into the death of Master Nkanu Adichie Esege, the 21 month old son of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege.
The child d in January in Lagos after being admitted to Euracare Multi Specialist Hospital following a referral from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital.
He reportedly passed away in the early hours of January 7 after undergoing medical procedures, while arrangements were being made for his transfer to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States for advanced treatment.
At Tuesday’s sitting, Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji ordered the suspension of the inquest pending further directives from the Chief Coroner of Lagos State.
The suspension followed a directive from the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, who had initiated a restorative justice meeting involving parties in the case.
The coroner expressed concern that the attorney general’s office engaged parties in the matter without informing the court, describing it as inappropriate within the judicial process.
She stated that while alternative dispute resolution efforts may be encouraged, the court must remain properly informed to avoid procedural conflicts.
Counsel representing the state, Adebola Araba, informed the court that a meeting had been scheduled for May 12 involving all relevant parties and requested suspension of proceedings until after the session.
Lawyers representing the bereaved family and the two hospitals involved confirmed receipt of official communications regarding the meeting and acknowledged the revised date.
Family counsel Adeyinka Aderemi, SAN, noted that the ce in meeting schedule affected the family’s participation and their expectation to give testimony during the hearing.
He added that the parents were present in court and prepared to proceed with the inquest before the postponement was communicated.
Counsel to Atlantis Hospital and Euracare Hospital also confirmed their compliance with court directives and their readiness to participate in the process.
The coroner directed that the matter be referred to the Chief Coroner for guidance before a new date is fixed for continuation of proceedings.
The inquest, which began in February, was set up to determine the circumstances surrounding the child’s death following medical treatment in Lagos.
The case has drawn significant public attention due to the prominence of the family and ongoing questions around medical procedures and care provided prior to the child’s death.
The suspension means further proceedings will remain on hold until administrative and procedural clarifications are provided by the appropriate judicial authority.
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