The Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel has suspended three medical doctors, including the Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, over the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of celebrated author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
The panel said it invoked its powers of suspension after determining that a prima facie case of medical negligence had been established in relation to the child’s treatment.
The suspended doctors are Dr. Tunde Majekodunmi, Medical Director of Euracare; Dr. Titus Ogundare, an anesthesiologist at the same facility; and Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh, Chief Medical Officer at Atlantis Pediatric Hospital.
They are barred from practising medicine in Nigeria pending the outcome of proceedings before the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
In a statement signed by the panel’s secretary, Dr. Enejo Abdu, the body disclosed that its findings also indicated a prima facie case of professional misconduct against 10 additional doctors.
Eight other practitioners investigated in connection with the matter were cleared of wrongdoing.
The panel reached its decisions after reviewing formal complaints, counter-affidavits, and oral depositions from 21 medical professionals.
The investigation concluded during its 25th session held in Abuja in mid-February.
According to details presented during the inquiry, the toddler was initially admitted to Atlantis Pediatric Hospital in Lagos for what was described as a worsening but initially mild illness.
As plans were underway for an emergency medical evacuation to the United States reportedly to Johns Hopkins Hospital the child was referred to Euracare for pre-flight diagnostic and preparatory procedures.
These included a brain MRI, echocardiogram, lumbar puncture, and the insertion of a central line.
Sedation was reportedly administered during the process.
However, complications arose shortly after the MRI while the child was being transported within the facility. He subsequently died on January 7, 2026.
Allegations of Negligence
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege, through their legal representatives, accused Euracare and attending medical personnel of breaching their duty of care.
A legal notice issued days after the incident alleged professional misconduct and negligence in the handling of the procedures.
The family has maintained that the child’s condition deteriorated abruptly following medical interventions that were intended to stabilise him ahead of overseas treatment.
The suspensions remain in force pending the determination of the case by the disciplinary tribunal, which will examine the evidence and decide whether sanctions including possible revocation of medical licences are warranted.
The case has drawn widespread public attention, raising broader concerns about medical standards, patient safety, and regulatory oversight within Nigeria’s healthcare system.
