The Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel has suspended Dr. Tunde Majekodunmi, Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, alongside two other doctors, following findings of medical negligence in the treatment of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege.

Nkanu, the son of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband Ivara Esege, tragically passed away on January 7, 2026, after a brief illness and subsequent medical procedures.

Adichie alleged that Nkanu was initially admitted to Atlantis Hospital in Lagos for a common cold that later developed into a serious infection.

While arrangements were being made to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States, he was referred to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital for pre-flight diagnostic procedures.

During procedures at Euracare on January 6, Nkanu was sedated with propofol but was reportedly not properly monitored afterward. This alleged lack of monitoring led to severe complications, including loss of responsiveness, seizures, and cardiac arrest, ultimately resulting in his death.

Adichie stated plainly, "He would be alive today if not for what occurred at Euracare Hospital on January 6th.” Her public statement on January 10, 2026, prompted the formal constitution of the investigation panel.

The panel meticulously reviewed complaints against 21 doctors, examined their counter-affidavits, and considered their oral depositions on oath. The investigation concluded during the panel's 25th session in Abuja on February 17 and 18, 2026.

Following its comprehensive investigation, the panel established a prima facie case of negligence against three key medical professionals: Dr. Tunde Majekodunmi, Dr. Titus Ogundare, the anesthesiologist at Euracare, and Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh, the Chief Medical Officer at Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, were all suspended.

All three are now barred from practicing medicine in Nigeria until their cases are fully determined by the Medical and Dental PractitionersDisciplinary Tribunal.

The panel also found a prima facie case of professional misconduct against 10 additional doctors, including 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.

Conversely, eight other doctors named in the complaint were cleared of any wrongdoing, following a thorough review of the evidence presented before the panel.

The case has ignited a national conversation about patient safety standards and accountability within Nigeria's healthcare system. Medical professionals, advocacy groups, and the general public are now calling for stricter monitoring protocols, particularly in procedures involving sedation of young children.

For Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her family, the tribunal process represents a pursuit of justice for Nkanu — and a hope that no other family will endure a similar, preventable tragedy.