Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria has provisionally suspended three doctors, including the director of Euracare Hospital, following the death of Nkanu Adichie-Esege, the 21-month-old son of acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
The child died on 7 January after complications during preparatory medical procedures in Lagos. The council said its investigative panel found a prima facie case of medical negligence in the management of the case, also implicating Atlantis Hospital.
The affected doctors have been barred from practising pending the outcome of a disciplinary tribunal, which will determine their fate. Dr Munir Bature of the Nigeria Medical Association confirmed the suspensions, noting that the tribunal could impose further sanctions, including the withdrawal of medical licences. The doctors involved have not publicly responded to the allegations.
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The child’s family has accused the hospital of negligence, alleging that oxygen was withheld and excessive sedation administered, resulting in cardiac arrest claims the hospital has denied while expressing sympathy. An inquest is scheduled to begin on 14 April at the Yaba Magistrate Court in Lagos, where a coroner will examine medical evidence and testimonies. The case has intensified scrutiny of patient safety standards in Nigeria, prompting the health ministry to acknowledge systemic challenges and announce a national task force on clinical governance and patient safety.
