Inquest into Chimamanda Adichie's Son's Death Suspended

The inquest into the death of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s 21-month-old son, Nkanu Adichie Eseg, has been suspended. The proceedings at the coroners' court in Lagos State were halted on Tuesday after the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, represented by Attorney General Lawal Pedro, directed the matter to be put on hold pending a stakeholders' meeting scheduled for May 12, 2026.

Magistrate Atinuk Adetunji criticized this directive, emphasizing the independence of court operations and stating that the Attorney General lacked the authority to suspend court proceedings, citing the principle of separation of powers. The court had not received formal notification of the directive.

Adeyinka Aderemi SAN, counsel for the family, informed the court that the parties had been invited to a meeting, which was initially set for Tuesday but was rescheduled late on Monday. The child's father was present and ready to testify when the inquest, which began on February 25, was halted.

The circumstances surrounding the child's death were referred to the Atlantic Pediatric Hospital and John Hopkins Hospital for further treatment after the incident on January 7, 2026.