Euracare Opens Investigation on Chimamanda Adichie Alleges Medical Negligence of Son’s Death
Euracare Hospital, Lagos, has launched an internal investigation into the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi, son of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, following allegations of gross medical negligence during a medical procedure at the facility.
The hospital confirmed the probe on Saturday, January 11, 2026, hours after Adichie publicly recounted the circumstances surrounding her son’s death, accusing an anaesthesiologist at Euracare of administering an excessive dose of sedative and failing to follow standard monitoring protocols.
In a detailed statement released on Friday, January 10, Adichie said the incident occurred on January 6, 2026, while her family was in Lagos for the Christmas holidays.
According to her, Nkanu, one of her twin sons, developed what initially appeared to be a common cold, which later progressed into a severe infection.
She explained that the child had been admitted to Atlantis Hospital and was scheduled to travel to the United States on January 7 under the supervision of travelling doctors, with a medical team at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, placed on standby. The U.S. doctors reportedly requested a lumbar puncture and an MRI, while the Nigerian team planned to insert a central line to allow intravenous medication during the flight.
Adichie said Atlantis Hospital referred the family to Euracare Hospital to carry out the procedures. On the morning of January 6, Nkanu was transferred to Euracare and sedation was recommended to prevent movement during the MRI and central line insertion.
“I was waiting outside the theatre when I noticed unusual activity — hurried movements and tension among staff,” Adichie recounted. She said she was later informed that her son had been given an excessive dose of propofol by the anaesthesiologist, rendering him unresponsive.
Although the child was reportedly resuscitated and placed on a ventilator in the Intensive Care Unit, Adichie said he later developed seizures and went into cardiac arrest — complications she noted he had never experienced previously. Nkanu was pronounced dead hours later.
The author further alleged that after the overdose, her son was not properly monitored, and questioned why a critically ill child was sedated and left unattended. She described the conduct of the anaesthesiologist as “criminally negligent,” adding that she later learned of previous cases involving the same doctor overdosing children.
“This must never happen to another child,” she said, calling for accountability and stronger patient safety measures.
Reacting to the allegations, Euracare Hospital expressed deep condolences to Adichie and her family, describing the death as a “profound and unimaginable loss.” However, the hospital maintained that some accounts circulating publicly contained inaccuracies.
“Our facility is a reputable centre for complex medical care, led by an internationally trained and experienced clinical team,” Euracare said in its statement. It noted that the child was critically ill and had been referred to the hospital after receiving treatment at two paediatric centres.
Euracare stated that its medical team provided care in line with established clinical protocols and internationally accepted medical standards, including sedation where clinically indicated. The hospital also said it worked collaboratively with external medical teams recommended by the family.
“Despite these concerted efforts, the patient sadly passed away less than 24 hours after presenting at our facility,” the statement said, adding that a detailed investigation had commenced in line with clinical governance standards and best practices.
The hospital reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, patient safety and full cooperation with regulatory authorities, while pledging continued support to the bereaved family.
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“As medical professionals, we carry the weight of this loss deeply. Our priority remains compassion, patient safety, and the responsible handling of this matter, while respecting the family’s privacy and allowing due process to take its course,” Euracare stated.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the child’s death and whether medical protocols were breached.
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