Lawyers representing Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her partner, Dr Ivara Esege, have formally written to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Lagos, over the death of their 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi, as investigations into the incident continue.
In a legal notice dated January 10, 2026, the solicitors alleged breaches of duty of care by the hospital, its anaesthesiologist, and attending medical personnel. The notice, issued by PINHEIRO LP and signed by its founding partner, Prof. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), accused the hospital of medical negligence arising from diagnostic and preparatory procedures carried out on the child.
According to the letter, the child was referred to Euracare on January 6, 2026, from Atlantis Pediatric Hospital for procedures including an echocardiogram, brain MRI, PICC line insertion, and lumbar puncture, ahead of a planned medical evacuation to the United States. The solicitors said intravenous sedation was administered using propofol.
They alleged that the child developed severe complications during post-MRI transfer to the cardiac catheterisation laboratory, raising “serious and substantive concerns” about adherence to paediatric safety protocols. The child was pronounced dead in the early hours of January 7.
The notice cited concerns over the appropriateness and cumulative dosing of propofol, inadequate airway protection, lack of continuous physiological monitoring, and transfer without supplemental oxygen or sufficient medical personnel. It also alleged delayed response to respiratory or cardiovascular distress.
The parents further accused the hospital of failing to properly disclose the risks associated with propofol, thereby undermining informed consent. They demanded certified copies of all medical records within seven days and warned the hospital to preserve all physical and electronic evidence, including CCTV footage and monitoring logs.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government confirmed the suspension of the anaesthesiologist involved in the procedure. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, said investigations had commenced and that the hospital was cooperating. “As far as we know, the anaesthesiologist involved has been suspended by the hospital,” she said.
Euracare Hospital said it had begun an internal investigation and maintained that it followed established clinical protocols. However, the child’s aunt and family doctor, Dr Anthea Nwandu, disputed the hospital’s account, alleging that the child was transferred without oxygen, monitoring, or resuscitative equipment. Public outrage has continued to trail the incident, with the family insisting that accountability must follow.
