A coroner’s court in Lagos has suspended proceedings in the inquest into the death of the young son of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, pending further directives from higher judicial authorities.

The inquest, which is investigating the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege, was halted following a directive linked to the office of the Lagos State Attorney-General, who requested a pause ahead of a scheduled meeting with all parties involved.

However, Coroner Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji expressed strong reservations about the move, stressing that the court operates independently and should not be directed by the executive arm of government.

She described the intervention as inappropriate, citing the principle of separation of powers, and questioned the authority of the Attorney-General to influence court proceedings in such a manner.

Counsel representing the child’s family noted that the father was present in court and prepared to testify before the sudden suspension of the hearing.

The case, which began earlier in the year, is examining the circumstances surrounding the child’s death after he was transferred between medical facilities for treatment before his passing in January 2026.

The court is now awaiting further guidance from the Chief Coroner before proceedings can resume.