Panel suspends medical director, two doctors over Chimamanda Adichie son’s death

Doctors Suspended Following Investigation into Infants’ Death

The Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel has suspended Dr. Tunde Majekodunmi, Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, along with two other physicians, due to findings related to medical negligence in the case of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege.

The tragic death of Nkanu, one of the twin sons of acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Ivara Esege, occurred on January 7, 2026, after a brief illness. Adichie alleged in a statement on January 10 that negligence contributed to her son’s death.

According to Adichie, Nkanu was taken to Euracare Hospital in Lagos for an MRI and the insertion of a central line following initial symptoms resembling a common cold, which subsequently escalated into a serious infection. Reports indicate that while Nkanu was sedated during the procedures, he was not adequately monitored after receiving propofol, leading to complications such as loss of responsiveness, seizures, and cardiac arrest.

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

In the wake of the panel’s investigation, the anesthesiologist Dr. Titus Ogundare and Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh, Chief Medical Officer at Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, were also suspended. The three medical professionals will not be allowed to practice medicine in Nigeria until their cases are reviewed by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.

Additionally, the panel identified a prima facie case of professional misconduct against ten other doctors, including Dr. Adeseye Akinsete, Dr. Chidinma Ohagwu, and Dr. Anthony Ajeh, among others. Conversely, eight other doctors were cleared of any wrongdoing.

The investigation concluded during the panel’s 25th session held in Abuja on February 17 and 18, 2026, after thorough examination of complaints, counter-affidavits, and oral depositions from all 21 involved doctors.

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