Lagos Suspends Doctor After Adichie’s Son’s Death
Solicitors representing acclaimed Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her partner, Dr Ivara Esege, have issued a legal notice to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Lagos, following the death of their 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi, as state authorities confirmed the suspension of the anaesthesiologist involved.
The Lagos State Government said investigations were ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death, which occurred in the early hours of January 7, 2026, after a series of medical procedures at the hospital.
In the notice dated January 10, 2026, the legal team, PINHEIRO LP, acting for the parents, alleged that the hospital and its medical personnel failed in their duty of care during the child’s treatment. The notice was signed by the firm’s founding partner, Prof Kemi Pinheiro (SAN).
According to the solicitors, the child had been referred to Euracare on January 6 from Atlantis Pediatric Hospital for diagnostic and preparatory procedures ahead of a planned medical evacuation to the United States. These procedures reportedly included an echocardiogram, brain MRI, insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter and a lumbar puncture.
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The notice stated that intravenous sedation using propofol was administered. During movement from the MRI suite to the cardiac catheterisation laboratory, the child was said to have developed sudden complications. He was later pronounced dead.
The parents alleged that safety protocols were not adequately followed during sedation and patient transfer. They raised concerns about the use and dosage of anaesthetic drugs, airway protection, monitoring of vital signs and the availability of resuscitation equipment.
The notice also claimed that the child was transferred without sufficient oxygen support, monitoring devices or adequate medical personnel, and that there was a delay in identifying and managing signs of respiratory or cardiovascular distress.
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In addition, the parents alleged that the risks associated with the anaesthetic drugs used were not fully explained to them, calling into question the validity of informed consent obtained before the procedures.
On the basis of these claims, the solicitors said the hospital and its staff could be held liable for medical negligence. They demanded certified copies of all medical records relating to the child’s care within seven days, including consent forms, anaesthetic charts, monitoring logs, nursing notes, incident reports and details of all staff involved.
The hospital was also instructed to preserve all physical and electronic evidence connected to the case, including CCTV footage, monitoring data, pharmacy records and internal communications, with a warning against the destruction or alteration of any material.
Meanwhile, Euracare Hospital said it had begun an internal investigation into the incident and pledged cooperation with regulatory authorities.
Confirming government action, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, said the anaesthesiologist involved had been suspended by the hospital pending the outcome of investigations, adding that the state was determined to ensure accountability in line with the law.