Chimamanda Adichie Accuses Lagos Hospital of Negligence Over Death of 21-Month-Old Son
Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has accused a private Lagos hospital of grave medical negligence, alleging that lapses in care led to the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi.
PulseNets learnt that Nkanu, one of the writer’s twin sons, passed away on Wednesday following what was initially described as a short illness. The twins were welcomed by the celebrated author and her husband, Ivara Esege, a Nigerian-American physician, in April 2024.
In a detailed statement obtained by PulseNets, Ms Adichie maintained that her son’s death was preventable, insisting that what should have been routine medical procedures were mishandled with fatal consequences.
The award-winning author stated that “my child would still be alive today but for what happened at Euracare Hospital on January 6. We were in Lagos for the Christmas holidays. Nkanu developed what seemed like an ordinary cold, but it rapidly worsened into a serious infection, and he was admitted at Atlantis Hospital.”
She explained that Nkanu was scheduled to be flown to the United States the following day, January 7, under the care of a medical evacuation team.
“A specialist team at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore was already prepared to receive him. They requested an MRI and a lumbar puncture. The doctors in Nigeria also planned to insert a central line to support him during the flight. Atlantis Hospital referred us to Euracare, which we were told was best equipped to handle those procedures,” she said.
Medical evacuation plans
Ms Adichie told PulseNets that shortly after the procedures began, doctors at Atlantis Hospital commenced arrangements for an emergency airlift to the US.
She recounted that while waiting outside the operating theatre, the unusual urgency she observed among the medical team immediately signalled that something had gone terribly wrong.
“I was seated just outside the theatre when I saw frantic movement—doctors rushing in, including a senior physician. I instantly knew something was wrong. I was later told that Nkanu had received an excessive dose of propofol, became unresponsive, and had to be resuscitated,” she explained.
She added that her son was subsequently intubated, placed on a ventilator, and transferred to the intensive care unit.
“Then came seizures. Then cardiac arrest. None of these had occurred before. Hours later, my son was gone,” Ms Adichie said.
Allegations of negligence
The author further alleged that her son was inadequately monitored after sedation, raising serious concerns about professional conduct during the procedure.
According to her, the anaesthesiologist failed to maintain proper observation, leaving uncertainty about the exact moment Nkanu became unresponsive.
She also claimed that after the central line was inserted, the child’s oxygen supply was switched off before he was moved to the ICU.
“We later discovered that Nkanu was never properly monitored after being given too much propofol. The anaesthesiologist simply carried him on his shoulder without adequate observation. No one could say when he stopped responding,” she stated.
“Even more disturbing, after the central line was placed, his oxygen was turned off, and again he was carried casually into the ICU. How do you sedate a critically ill child and fail to monitor him?”
Ms Adichie described the actions as reckless.
“This was criminal negligence. The approach was dangerously casual. Protocols were ignored. We brought in a sick but stable child for basic procedures before an international transfer. We did not bring him to die,” she said.
Euracare Hospital reacts
Euracare Hospital, however, has disputed aspects of the narrative. In a press statement reviewed by PulseNets, the hospital said several circulating accounts contained inaccuracies.
“Our hospital is a reputable centre for advanced medical care, staffed by internationally trained clinicians. The patient was critically ill upon referral, having already received treatment at two paediatric facilities. Upon arrival, care was provided in line with established clinical protocols and globally accepted medical standards, including sedation where appropriate,” the statement read.
The hospital confirmed that an internal investigation had been launched in line with clinical governance requirements.
“We are committed to full transparency and responsible engagement with all regulatory and clinical processes. We recognise the family’s immense loss and extend our deepest sympathies. As medical professionals, we feel this loss profoundly,” Euracare added.
Sanwo-Olu orders probe
Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to commence an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the incident.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Health, Kemi Ogunyemi, the governor said the probe would determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the child’s death.
“HEFAMAA has already begun its investigation and visited the facility involved. The agency will thoroughly examine all allegations and reports connected to the case,” the statement said.
The government further noted that HEFAMAA, as the statutory regulator of public and private health facilities in Lagos State, routinely investigates allegations of medical negligence and unethical practices to safeguard patient safety and professional standards.
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HEFAMAA also confirmed that it would work closely with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and other relevant regulatory bodies to ensure a comprehensive and credible review of the case.
