Lagos Attorney General Addresses Allegations of Interference in Coroner’s Inquest
Wale Igbintard
Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), the Attorney General of Lagos State, has responded to claims of interference regarding the ongoing coroner’s inquest into the death of Nkanu Adichie Esege, the son of acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ibara Esege.
This clarification follows growing public concern after the coroner, presiding at the JIC Taylor court in Lagos Island, adjourned the case on May 5, 2026.
A statement from the Attorney General’s Office emphasized that the government has never directed or intended to indefinitely suspend any inquests. According to the office, such decisions rest entirely with the coroner.
The statement noted that the Secretary-General’s perceived intervention in this matter had been misinterpreted. It stressed, “At no time did the Attorney General’s Office instruct or intend for the coroner to suspend the proceeding indefinitely.”
The ministry clarified that its role involved consultations with attorneys representing the parties involved in the inquest. This collaboration was initiated to ensure the effective management of such proceedings within the state.
The agency explained that the objective of this consultation was to provide policy guidance on managing coroner’s inquests and to encourage cooperation among legal practitioners, aiming for quicker resolutions in hearings.
This involvement is not intended to hinder or abbreviate the judicial process, but rather to enhance efficiency and prevent unnecessary delays in addressing sensitive cases, the office clarified. Referencing past experiences, it highlighted the inquest into the death of Mr. Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba (Mohabado), expressing concern that those proceedings were unduly prolonged.
The ministry underscored that such delays are detrimental to justice and the affected families, reasserting its commitment to improving the efficiency of coroner investigative procedures across Lagos State.
For clarity, the proposed meeting was described as a collaborative initiative with legal counsel aimed at enhancing the coordination and timely resolution of inquests. The agency urged the public to disregard any contrary insinuations and reiterated its dedication to the fair administration of justice in Lagos State.
The statement concluded by affirming that the decision to continue or suspend proceedings lies solely with the coroner, who operates independently and within the bounds of the law. Mr. Pedro underscored the Ministry of Justice’s commitment to supporting the judicial process while ensuring that autopsies are conducted in compliance with established legal standards.
