Allegation, Probe, reaction over Chimamanda Adichie’s son demise

A renowned Nigerian author, Ms. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has lost her son, Nkanu, who was sick and admitted but gave up the ghost following reported medical incident at the private healthcare facility in Lagos on January 6, 2026.

Adichie in a statement circulating online detailing the circumstances surrounding her son’s death, accused the hospital and the anesthesiologist of medical negligence.

According to her, “My son would be alive today if not for an incident at Euracare Hospital on January 6th. We were in Lagos for Christmas. Nkanu had what we first thought was just a cold, but soon turned into a very serious infection and he was admitted to Atlantis hospital.

He was to travel to the US the next day, January 7th, accompanied by Travelling Doctors. A team at Johns Hopkins was waiting to receive him in Baltimore. The Hopkins team had asked for a lumbar puncture test and an MRI.

“The Nigerian team had also decided to put in a ‘central line’ (used to administer iv medications) in preparation for Nkanu’s flight. Atlantis hospital referred us to Euracare Hospital, which was said to be the best place to have the procedures done.

“The morning of the 6th, we left Atlantis hospital for Euracare, Nkanu carried in his father’s arms. We were told he would need to be sedated to prevent him from moving during the MRI and the ‘central line’ procedure.
“I was waiting just outside the theater. I saw people, including Dr M, rushing into the theater and immediately knew something had happened.

“A short time later, Dr M came out and told me Nkanu had been given too much propofol by the anesthesiologist, had become unresponsive and was quickly resuscitated.

“But suddenly Nkanu was on a ventilator, he was intubated and placed in the ICU. The next thing I heard was that he had seizures. Cardiac arrest. All these had never happened before. Some hours later, Nkanu was gone
“It turns out that Nkanu was NEVER monitored after being given too much propofol. The anesthesiologist had just casually carried Nkanu on his shoulder to the theater, so nobody knows when exactly Nkanu became unresponsive.

“How can you sedate a sick child and neglect to monitor him? Later, after the ‘central line’ procedure, the anesthesiologist casually switched off Nkanu’s oxygen and again decided to carry him on his shoulder to the ICU!

“The anesthesiologist was CRIMINALLY negligent. He was fatally casual and careless with the precious life of a child. No proper protocol was followed.
“We brought in a child who was unwell but stable and scheduled to travel the next day. We came to conduct basic procedures. And suddenly, our beautiful little boy was gone forever. It is like living your worst nightmare. I will never survive the loss of my child.

“We have now heard about two previous cases of this same anesthesiologist overdosing children. Why did Euracare allow him to keep working? This must never happen to another child”, Adichie stated.

Reaction:

Former Senator, Shehu Sani in his reaction on X said horrible cases of medical negligence has killed many mothers, fathers and children over the years.
He stated that the case of Chimamanda Adichie should encourage past, present and future victims to name and shame clinics and medical personnel responsible.

According to him, “Many are too poor to take up legal action, many don’t have a voice and many resigned to their faith and leave matters to God”.

The Senator cited the case of a baby who was blinded by medical negligence at the National Hospital, Abuja many years ago, revealing her name as Victory who Sani said she is now in the School for the blind children.
He said this is a lifetime burden for the parents to bear, adding that families of victims should step forward and speak out. “I hope someone will create hashtag for this”, the Senator concluded

Hospital’s response:

The so-called hospital, Euracare Multispecialist Hospital has released a statement expressing deep condolences to Chimamanda Adichie and her family over the loss of their son.

The hospital acknowledged the profound grief of the family and urged the public to note that some circulating reports contain inaccuracies.
According to Euracare, the child was critically ill and referred to their facility after prior treatment at two paediatric centres.

The hospital said care was provided in line with international medical standards, with collaboration from external medical teams recommended by family. Despite these efforts, the child passed away less than 24 hours after arrival.

Euracare confirmed that a detailed internal investigation has begun and stated its commitment to transparency, patient safety, and due process, while respecting the family’s privacy.
Investigation:

The Lagos State Government who in a statement consoled the author, Adichie and her family over this irreparable loss maintained zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct in any health facility operating within the State.

In line with this, the Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed an independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with a view to unraveling the immediate and remote causes of the death.

The Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) who is in charge of the investigation, has visited the hospital involved as part of ongoing inquiry and will conduct a comprehensive review of all allegations and reports relating to the incident.
The Agency will work in close collaboration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and other relevant regulatory bodies in the course of the investigation to ensure a holistic, credible, and professional review process.

“The death of a child is a profound tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this extremely difficult time”. Lagos State Government extended its heartfelt condolences and assured the family of its concern and commitment to justice.

Meanwhile the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other prominent Nigerians have sent their sincere condolences to Ms. Chimamanda Adichie and her family over this painful and irreparable loss.