A coroner’s court in Igbosere, Lagos State, on Tuesday suspended the inquest into the death of a 21-month-old son of writer Chimamanda Adichie.
The child, Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of Chimamanda and Ivara Esege, died in January in Lagos.
He was admitted at Euracare Multi Specialist Hospital, Lagos, on 6 January following a referral from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital. He died in the early hours of 7 January after medical procedures.
The coroner, Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji, said proceedings would be suspended pending directives from the chief coroner of the state.
She ordered the suspension following a directive from the Lagos State Attorney General, Lawal Pedro.
Ms Adetunji raised concerns over steps taken to initiate a restorative justice meeting without prior notice to the court. She noted that under the principle of separation of powers, the attorney general does not have the authority to direct court proceedings.
She said she would refer the development to the chief coroner and await guidance before fixing a new date for the inquest.
The magistrate also expressed dissatisfaction that the Office of the Lagos State Attorney General communicated with parties involved in the inquest without informing the court.
Earlier, counsel from the attorney general’s office, Adebola Araba, told the court that a meeting involving parties in the matter had been scheduled.
Mr Araba said the meeting, convened by the attorney general, is to hold on 12 May and urged the court to suspend proceedings until after it.
Counsel for the bereaved family, Adeyinka Aderemi, confirmed receiving a letter dated 23 April from the attorney general’s office. He said the meeting was first scheduled for 5 May but later moved to 12 May.
Mr Aderemi said the parents were present in court and had expected proceedings before attending the earlier scheduled meeting. He added that the change in date affected their plans and limited the opportunity for the court to hear the father’s statement on oath.
Lawyer to Atlantis Hospital, Abiodun Layonu, confirmed receiving letters dated 23 April and 4 May about the meeting and said his team would comply with the court’s directive.
Euracare’s lawyer, Taiwo Osipitan, also confirmed receiving a letter on the rescheduled meeting.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the inquest began on 25 February.
Nkanu was first admitted at Atlantis Hospital after an illness and later referred to Euracare for further procedures. He was being prepared for transfer to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States for advanced care when he died.
The case has drawn public attention given Chimamanda’s profile as an award winning Nigerian author. The inquest is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the child’s death and whether there were lapses in medical care.
