Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has formally served a legal notice to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos over the tragic death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi Adichie-Esege, accusing the facility and its medical staff of medical negligence and professional misconduct in handling his care.
The notice, dated January 10, 2026, was issued by the law firm of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Kemi Pinheiro on behalf of Adichie and her partner, Dr. Ivara Esege. It demands detailed medical records and evidence relating to the child’s treatment and warns that failure to comply may trigger further legal, regulatory, and judicial action.
What Happened: The Death of Nkanu Nnamdi
Adichie’s son, Nkanu Nnamdi, one of twin boys born via surrogacy in 2024, died on January 7, 2026, after being transferred to Euracare Hospital for a series of diagnostic and preparatory medical procedures ahead of a planned emergency medical evacuation to the United States.
The referral followed an initial admission to Atlantis Pediatric Hospital on January 6, and the procedures at Euracare included an echocardiogram, brain MRI scan, lumbar puncture, and the insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC line) — all intended to stabilize Nkanu before transfer abroad.
Allegations in the Legal Notice
According to the legal document, the hospital and relevant personnel are accused of major breaches of care, including:
- Inadequate monitoring of Nkanu during sedation and movement between clinical areas.
- Improper administration and cumulative dosing of the anaesthetic drug propofol were used to sedate the child during procedures.
- Failure to provide supplemental oxygen and continuous physiological monitoring is essential for sedated paediatric patients.
- Transporting Nkanu without appropriate oversight, equipment, or sufficiently trained staff during internal transfers.
- Lack of basic resuscitation equipment and delayed response to signs of respiratory or cardiovascular distress.
- Failure to disclose all risks and potential side effects of sedation drugs undermines informed consent protocols.
The legal team stated these alleged shortcomings amount to prima facie breaches of duty of care, rendering the hospital and staff potentially liable for medical negligence.
What the Notice Demands
As part of the legal action, the notice demands that the hospital provide certified copies of all records relating to Nkanu’s care within seven days. This includes:
- Admission notes and consent forms
- Pre-anaesthetic assessments
- Anaesthetic and drug administration charts
- Monitoring logs and nursing observations
- ICU and incident reports
- Identities of all attending medical staff
- Internal safety and mortality reviews
- CCTV footage and electronic monitoring data
- Emergency equipment logs and pharmacy records
The notice also instructs Euracare to preserve all physical and electronic evidence connected to the case, warning that alteration, destruction, or loss of such evidence could be treated as obstruction of justice.
Hospital’s Response and Government Action
Euracare Hospital has publicly denied the allegations, insisting that the child was “critically ill” upon referral and that all care provided was in accordance with established medical protocols and internationally accepted standards. However, the family has disputed key parts of that narrative.
In response to public concern and the legal notice, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ordered a comprehensive probe into the circumstances surrounding Nkanu’s death, directing regulatory agencies to investigate potential medical negligence.
Family’s Perspective and Allegations
The legal notice reflects grave concerns by Chimamanda Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege that what should have been routine preparatory procedures for medical transfer turned tragic due to significant lapses in clinical care, particularly around sedation and monitoring. Independent medical physicians from the family’s side have publicly challenged the hospital’s version of events, arguing that key standards of paediatric anaesthesia and safety protocols were not followed.
Adichie, one of Africa’s most acclaimed writers, described her loss as devastating and has called for accountability and transparency in the investigation. The case has resonated widely, prompting responses from public figures and renewed debate on healthcare quality in Nigeria.
Leave a Reply