Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has formally accused a private Lagos hospital of medical negligence and professional misconduct following the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi Adichie-Esege.
In a legal notice dated January 10, 2026, Adichie and her partner, Dr Ivara Esege, through their lawyers led by Prof Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, alleged that the hospital, its anaesthesiologist, and attending staff breached their duty of care, resulting in the toddler’s death on January 7.
Nkanu, born March 25, 2024, had been referred to the hospital on January 6 for diagnostic procedures in preparation for a planned medical evacuation to the United States. A specialist team at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore was reportedly ready to receive him.
Procedures scheduled included an echocardiogram, brain MRI, lumbar puncture, and insertion of a central catheter, with intravenous sedation administered using propofol.
The parents claim that during transfers between hospital departments after the MRI, Nkanu suffered severe complications under circumstances raising “serious concerns” about adherence to paediatric safety and anaesthesia protocols.
The notice alleges multiple lapses, including excessive dosing of propofol, lack of continuous monitoring, inadequate airway protection, and unsafe inter-departmental transfers without supplemental oxygen or sufficient medical supervision.
It also points to delayed recognition of respiratory and cardiovascular distress and alleged absence of essential resuscitation equipment.
The parents further claim that risks associated with anaesthesia were not properly disclosed, undermining informed consent requirements.
Adichie and Esege have demanded certified copies of all medical records within seven days, including consent forms, anaesthetic charts, ICU notes, monitoring logs, incident reports, and staff identities.
The hospital has also been instructed to preserve all physical and electronic evidence, including CCTV footage and pharmacy records.
The tragedy has reignited public debate over patient safety and accountability in Nigeria’s healthcare system. Euracare Hospital said it is investigating the incident and denied claims that negligence caused Nkanu’s death.