Shocking Suspensions: Panel Investigates Medical Staff Over Chimamanda Adichie Son's Tragic Death

Published 9 hours ago3 minute read
Pelumi Ilesanmi
Pelumi Ilesanmi
Shocking Suspensions: Panel Investigates Medical Staff Over Chimamanda Adichie Son's Tragic Death

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 Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief illness and subsequent medical procedures.

Recounting the heartbreaking incident, Chimamanda Adichie alleged medical negligence surrounding her son’s death in a statement on January 10, 2026. She explained that Nkanu was initially admitted to Atlantis Hospital in Lagos for what was described as a worsening but initially mild illness, a common cold that later developed into a very serious infection. While arrangements were being made to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States, Atlantis referred him to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos for pre-flight diagnostic procedures, including an MRI scan, lumbar puncture, and the insertion of a central line.

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

Prompted by these allegations, the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel was constituted to thoroughly investigate the incident. The panel meticulously reviewed complaints against a total of 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 medical negligence and professional misconduct against three key medical professionals. Dr. Tunde Majekodunmi, the Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Dr. Titus Ogundare, the anesthesiologist at Euracare, and Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh, the Chief Medical Officer at Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, were all suspended. They are now barred from practicing medicine in Nigeria until their cases are fully determined by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.

Furthermore, the panel found a prima facie case of professional misconduct against 10 other doctors involved in the case. These individuals 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. Conversely, eight other doctors who were also part of the complaint were cleared of any wrongdoing.

Recommended Articles

Loading...

You may also like...