Coroner’s court sitting at Igbosere, Lagos State, yesterday suspended inquest into the death of the 21-month-old son of literary giant, Chimamanda Adichie.
The child, Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of Chimamanda and Dr Ivara Esege, died on January 7 in a Lagos hospital.
Nkanu was admitted at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos on January 6, following referral from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital, also in Lagos.
The Coroner, Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji said proceedings in the inquest would be suspended pending directives from the chief coroner of the state.
Adetunji ordered the suspension, following a directive from the Lagos State Attorney-General, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN).
Raising concerns over steps taken to initiate a restorative justice meeting without prior notice to the court, Magistrate Adetunji noted that under the principle of separation of powers, the attorney-general does not have the power to direct court proceedings.
She said she would refer the development to the chief coroner and await his guidance before giving a new date for proceedings in the inquest.
The magistrate expressed dissatisfaction that the Office of the Lagos State Attorney-General communicated with parties in the inquest without informing the court.
Earlier, counsel from the Office of the Attorney-General, Mr Adebola Araba informed the court of a scheduled meeting involving parties in the matter on May 12, as convened by the attorney-general.
He urged the court to suspend proceedings into the inquest until after the meeting.
Counsel to the bereaved family, Mr Adeyinka Aderemi (SAN) confirmed receiving a letter dated April 23 from the Office of the Attorney-General.
He said the meeting was initially scheduled for May 5, but was later rescheduled to May 12.
Aderemi said the parents of the child were present in court and expected proceedings into the inquest before attending the meeting as earlier scheduled.
He added that the change in the meeting date affected their plans and limited the court’s opportunity to hear the father’s statement on oath.
Counsel to Atlantis Hospital, Mr Abiodun Layanu (SAN) confirmed receiving letters dated April 23 and May 4 regarding the meeting.
He said his team would comply with the court’s directive.
Counsel to Euracare, Professor Taiwo Osipitan (SAN) also confirmed receiving a letter on the rescheduled meeting.
Nkanu was admitted at Atlantis Hospital, following an illness and was 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.
