Chimamanda Adichie’s Lawyers Demand Answers from Lagos Hospital as Doctor Is Suspended
Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her partner, Dr. Ivara Esege, have taken legal action against Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos following the tragic death of their 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi, earlier this month.
In a legal notice dated January 10, 2026, solicitors representing the couple alleged that the hospital and its medical staff, including the anaesthesiologist, failed in their duty of care to the child, who died in the early hours of January 7 after undergoing several diagnostic and preparatory procedures.
The notice, signed by Prof. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, stated that Nkanu had been referred to Euracare on January 6 from another facility for tests including an echocardiogram, brain MRI, central line insertion (PICC) and lumbar puncture as part of preparations for an imminent evacuation to a specialist hospital abroad.
According to the legal document, the child was sedated with propofol but allegedly developed severe complications during transfers between hospital departments. The solicitors claimed there were serious lapses in paediatric anaesthesia protocols and patient monitoring, including concerns that Nkanu was moved without continuous oxygen support or appropriate medical supervision.
The family’s lawyers have demanded certified copies of all medical records within seven days and warned the hospital to preserve all relevant evidence, such as CCTV footage, monitoring data and drug inventory records, saying any destruction or alteration could be treated as obstruction of justice.
Euracare has said it is conducting a detailed internal investigation and is cooperating with authorities. Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has confirmed that the anaesthesiologist involved has been suspended as part of an ongoing probe into the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death.
Family members, including the child’s aunt and family doctor, have publicly raised concerns about the hospital’s handling of the case, disputing elements of the facility’s statements and questioning adherence to international care standards for sedated children.