AG’s Intervention Stalls Baby Nkanu Inquest as Magistrate Pushes Back in Lagos
By Ranti Thomas
Proceedings into the death of 21-month-old Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege hit an abrupt pause on Tuesday after a disagreement emerged between the court and the Lagos State Attorney-General’s office.
The Coroner Court sitting at the Igbosere Magistrate Court on Lagos Island halted further hearing, pending fresh directives from the Chief Coroner, Justice Mojisola Dada.
Coroner Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji ordered the suspension after being informed that the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Lawal Pedro (SAN), had directed that the matter be put on hold.
The development, however, triggered a strong reaction from the court, with the magistrate openly criticising the move and questioning the authority behind such instruction.
She stressed that the judiciary operates independently and is not subject to directives from the executive arm, describing the situation as inappropriate.
The court noted that it had not been formally informed before parties were issued letters about a proposed meeting by the Attorney-General with lawyers involved in the case.
Earlier, counsel from the AG’s office told the court that a meeting with all parties had been scheduled, initially for the same day but later shifted to May 12, 2026.
Lawyers representing the family of the deceased child expressed frustration over the late changes, noting that the parents had already appeared in court expecting the hearing to proceed.
They argued that the sudden shift disrupted proceedings and sidelined the interests of the family, especially as the child’s father was present and ready to testify.
Other parties in the case, including counsel to the hospitals involved, confirmed receiving multiple letters from the Attorney-General’s office indicating changes to the meeting schedule.
The magistrate, however, insisted that such communications should not override court processes, stating that the matter would remain on hold until guidance is received from the Chief Coroner.
The inquest, which began in February 2026, is investigating the circumstances surrounding the child’s death following medical procedures at a Lagos hospital.
Master Nkanu had first been treated at a paediatric facility before being referred to another hospital for further examinations ahead of a planned transfer abroad.
He died in the early hours of January 7, 2026, after undergoing procedures, a development that prompted the ongoing coroner’s inquiry.
With proceedings now suspended indefinitely, attention turns to the next directive from the Chief Coroner, which will determine when the inquest resumes.