The coroner’s inquest at the JIC Taylor Courthouse in Lagos Island into the tragic death of Chimamanda Adichie’s 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, has been suspended, pending further instructions from the chief coroner, Justice Mojisola Dada.
The hearing, which was to proceed on May 5, 2026, was postponed after a request from the Attorney General’s (AG) office. Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji, who is overseeing the case, announced the suspension during the proceedings, citing the need for further consultation with all parties involved.
Request for Delay From Attorney General’s Office
The suspension followed a request from counsel for the AG, Adebola Araba, who informed the court that the AG had directed a postponement until after a meeting scheduled for May 12, 2026. The meeting was intended to bring together all counsel involved in the matter to discuss further steps.
Araba explained, “I have been instructed 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 today’s hearing and reschedule it for after the meeting.”
Frustration from the Parents’ Counsel
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adeyinka Aderemi, who represents the parents of the deceased child, voiced frustration over the late notice. Aderemi confirmed receiving a letter from the AG’s office on April 23, 2026, initially scheduling the meeting for May 5. However, the letter was subsequently updated to reflect the new meeting date of May 12, which was only communicated late.
Expressing disappointment, Aderemi said, “The change in date came very late, and the parents were hoping for the hearing to continue as planned. This delay has caused unnecessary frustration, particularly for the father, who was present and ready to provide a sworn statement today.”
Magistrate Adetunji questioned why the AG’s office had failed to directly inform the court about the updated letter, which had not been communicated in advance. In response, Araba explained that he had only been instructed to inform the court about the rescheduled meeting.
Confirmation of the Postponement by Other Parties
Counsel representing Atlantis Paediatric Hospital, Abiodun Layanu (SAN), and Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Taiwo Osiptan (SAN), also confirmed receiving the letters from the AG’s office. Both parties indicated their compliance with the court’s decision regarding the suspension and rescheduling of the hearing.
Concerns Over Lack of Coordination and Impact on Parents
Aderemi raised concerns about the lack of coordination and the emotional impact on the parents. He emphasized the importance of restorative justice, urging that the AG should have acted sooner. “The interest of the parents is not being carried along,” Aderemi stated. “If there is restorative justice, the AG should have taken action sooner.”
Court’s Decision on Suspension
After hearing from all parties involved, Magistrate Adetunji ruled to suspend further proceedings in the inquest until after the scheduled meeting with the Attorney General. The suspension is expected to delay the inquest’s progress until mid-May, leaving the family of the deceased child waiting for the next steps in the legal process.
Details of the Inquest into the Death of Master Nkanu
The inquest into Master Nkanu Nnamdi Esege’s death began on February 25, 2026. Nkanu, the son of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Ivara Esege, was initially admitted to Atlantis Paediatric Hospital in Lagos for a deteriorating illness. He was later transferred to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital for further diagnostic procedures, which included an MRI, lumbar puncture, and the insertion of a central line. Tragically, the young boy passed away on January 7, 2026, following these procedures.
The case has drawn widespread attention due to the circumstances surrounding Nkanu’s death and the involvement of high-profile figures. The inquest aims to uncover the truth behind the child’s untimely passing and ensure accountability for any negligence or wrongdoing.
Read Also: Breaking: Chimamanda Adichie loses son
