Proceedings at the Coroner’s Court sitting within the Igbosere Magistrates’ Court on Lagos Island were abruptly suspended on Tuesday following a directive linked to the office of the Chief Coroner of Lagos State, Justice Mojisola Dada. The decision effectively pauses the inquest into the tragic death of 21-month-old Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of celebrated Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and medical doctor Ivara Esege.
The presiding Coroner Magistrate, Atinuke Adetunji, announced the suspension after receiving a request transmitted through the office of the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro. The request, which sought to halt further proceedings, has now placed the matter in temporary limbo pending further directives from the Chief Coroner.
However, the manner in which the intervention was carried out drew sharp criticism from the bench.
In a brief but pointed ruling, Magistrate Adetunji openly expressed displeasure over what she described as a procedural lapse by the Attorney-General. According to her, the decision to seek a halt in proceedings without formally notifying the court undermined due process and raised concerns about institutional respect.
“I find it very appalling that the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), would take such steps without informing the court,” she said, her remarks echoing through a courtroom that had been closely following the sensitive case.
The inquest, which had attracted considerable public attention due to the prominence of the child’s parents and the tragic circumstances surrounding his death, was expected to shed light on the events leading to the incident and determine any possible lapses or liabilities.
Legal observers say the sudden suspension introduces a new layer of complexity, particularly as coroner proceedings are typically designed to be independent fact-finding processes. The intervention of the Attorney-General’s office, while not unprecedented, has sparked debate about the boundaries between executive influence and judicial independence.
Some analysts argue that the Attorney-General, as the chief law officer of the state, possesses the authority to intervene in legal matters where necessary, especially if broader legal or procedural issues are at stake. Others, however, contend that such actions must strictly adhere to established protocols, including direct communication with the court, to avoid perceptions of interference.
Within legal circles, Magistrate Adetunji’s reaction has been interpreted as a firm assertion of judicial authority and a reminder of the need for transparency in interactions between arms of government.
The families involved, particularly that of the late child, have yet to publicly respond to the latest development. However, sources close to the proceedings suggest that the pause may prolong the emotional strain on those seeking clarity and closure.
For now, all eyes are on the office of the Chief Coroner, whose next directive will determine when, or how the inquest resumes. Until then, the case remains suspended, its unanswered questions lingering both within the courtroom and in the public domain.
As the legal process unfolds, the incident continues to highlight the delicate balance between authority, procedure, and accountability in Nigeria’s justice system, especially in cases where public interest and personal tragedy intersect.
