The Lagos State Government has suspended the anaesthesiologist involved in the treatment of 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi, the son of acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege, following the child’s death at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Lagos.
The toddler died on January 7, 2026, after reportedly suffering cardiac arrest during routine medical procedures carried out a day earlier. These included sedation for an MRI scan and the insertion of a central line.
Announcing the suspension, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, said the action would remain in force pending the outcome of a comprehensive and independent investigation into allegations of medical negligence. She reiterated the state government’s zero-tolerance stance on any lapses in patient care, particularly in paediatric cases.
According to the family, Nkanu was stable prior to the procedures and was scheduled for medical evacuation to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States the following day. They have alleged that excessive administration of the sedative propofol, poor patient monitoring, and delayed resuscitation efforts contributed to the child’s death.
In response, solicitors representing Adichie and Dr. Esege issued a legal notice to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital on January 10, demanding the preservation and release of all relevant medical records, including drug administration logs and patient monitoring data.
Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital has confirmed that it has commenced an internal review of the incident and is cooperating fully with regulatory authorities.
Meanwhile, investigations by the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria are ongoing.
