Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has filed a lawsuit against Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Lagos, following the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, citing alleged medical negligence. The case, detailed in a notice dated January 10, 2026, has prompted the Lagos State government to order an official probe into the incident, drawing heightened scrutiny to private healthcare standards in Nigeria.
According to the family, Nkanu died barely a day after being referred to Euracare for diagnostic procedures ahead of a planned medical evacuation to the United States. Adichie and her partner, Dr Ivara Esege, through their solicitors led by Professor Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, accused the hospital, its anaesthesiologist, and other medical staff of breaching their duty of care.
The notice alleges that the child was administered intravenous sedation with propofol and suffered severe complications while being transported between clinical areas. The parents claim the transfer occurred without supplemental oxygen, continuous monitoring, or adequate medical accompaniment. Concerns were also raised about cumulative propofol dosing, inadequate airway protection, delayed recognition of complications, and absence of basic resuscitation equipment.
The family has demanded certified copies of all medical records within seven days and instructed the hospital to preserve all relevant evidence, warning that destruction or alteration could attract legal consequences.
Born on March 25, 2024, Nkanu was referred from Atlantis Pediatric Hospital on January 6, 2026, for preparatory investigations including an echocardiogram, brain MRI, PICC line insertion, and lumbar puncture. He reportedly passed away in the early hours of January 7, 2026.
Meanwhile, the child’s aunt, Dr Anthea Esege Nwandu, a dual board-certified Internal Medicine physician, publicly challenged Euracare’s denial of negligence, citing multiple inconsistencies and asserting that internationally accepted standards of care were not followed.