The Nigerian Society of Anaesthetists (NSA) has confirmed that it is closely monitoring claims of medical negligence linked to the death of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s 21-month-old son, Nkanu.
The NSA’s National President, Prof. Alhassan Mohammed, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.
According to NAN, an official family statement said that Nkanu Nnamdi, the son of the acclaimed novelist and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege, passed away on January 7, 2026, following a brief illness. The statement, issued by Omawumi Ogbe of GLG Communications, read: “The family is devastated by this profound loss, and we request that their privacy be respected during this incredibly difficult time.”
In the days that followed, sources close to the family alleged that medical negligence at a private Lagos hospital, where Nkanu was taken for procedures prior to a planned transfer to the U.S. for further treatment, may have contributed to his death.
Prof. Mohammed said the hospital involved is expected to conduct its own inquiry, gathering both oral and documented evidence from patient records. He added that, depending on the wishes of the family, an independent investigative panel may also be established to examine the claims further.
He noted that any investigation would focus on the verification of the registration status of the medical staff and facility, adherence to medical protocols, compliance with approved scopes of practice, and determining whether negligence played a role in the incident.
The NSA is awaiting additional details before issuing further comments on the matter.
