Three Doctors Suspended, 13 Indicted In Chimamanda Adichie’s Son’s Death

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has suspended the Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Dr Tunde Majekodunmi, alongside two other doctors, over alleged negligence in the treatment of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege.

Nkanu, one of the twin sons of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Ivara Esege, died on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief illness.

The suspensions were announced after the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel concluded its probe into allegations surrounding the toddler’s death.

Recounting the incident, Adichie had alleged medical negligence in the handling of her son’s treatment.

She explained that Nkanu was taken to Euracare Hospital in Lagos for an MRI scan and the insertion of a central line after initially developing what the family believed to be a common cold, which later “turned into a very serious infection.”

According to her, during the procedure, the child was sedated and administered propofol but was not properly monitored thereafter.

The situation reportedly deteriorated rapidly, resulting in loss of responsiveness, seizures, and eventually cardiac arrest.

“He would be alive today if not for an incident at Euracare Hospital on January 6th,” Adichie had stated.

Following its findings, the panel suspended Majekodunmi, the hospital’s anaesthesiologist, Dr Titus Ogundare, and the Chief Medical Officer at Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, Dr Atinuke Uwajeh.

The trio will remain barred from practising medicine in Nigeria pending the determination of their cases before the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.

The panel also said it established a prima facie case of professional misconduct against 10 other practitioners. Those listed include Dr Adeseye Akinsete, Dr Chidinma Ohagwu, Dr Anthony Ajeh, Dr Amarachi Bayo, Dr Nkechi Peji, Dr Olaoye Oludare, Dr Agaja Oyinkansola, Dr Patricia Akintan, Dr Babatunde Bamgboye, and Dr Raji Faidat.

They are expected to face further proceedings before the disciplinary tribunal.

However, the panel cleared eight other doctors of any wrongdoing after reviewing the complaints filed against them.

The decisions, according to the council, were reached after a comprehensive review of petitions against all 21 doctors involved in the case. The panel examined counter-affidavits submitted by the respondents and considered oral depositions made on oath.

The probe was concluded during the panel’s 25th session held in Abuja on February 17 and 18, 2026.

The outcome marks a significant development in the case that has drawn national attention, particularly following Adichie’s public account of the events leading to her son’s death.

The matter is now set to proceed to the disciplinary tribunal, where the affected doctors will have the opportunity to defend themselves against the allegations.