Lagos Orders Probe Into Death of Chimamanda Adichie’s Son Amid Allegations of Medical Negligence
The Lagos State Government has directed an immediate investigation into the death of Nkanu, the 21-month-old son of acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, following claims of medical negligence at Euracare Multispecialist Hospital.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Health on Saturday, January 10, the government expressed deep condolences to Adichie and her family, describing the loss as a profound tragedy.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has instructed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to carry out a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the incident that occurred on January 6, 2026, at the private hospital. The agency has already visited Euracare and begun examining both immediate and underlying factors that led to the child’s death.
The probe will assess adherence to clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the responsibilities of all medical personnel involved. HEFAMAA will collaborate with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and other regulatory bodies, with findings to be made public upon conclusion.
The investigation follows Adichie’s statement on January 10, in which she alleged that medical negligence at Euracare contributed to her son’s death. Nkanu had initially been treated for what appeared to be a cold before developing a severe infection requiring hospitalization at Atlantis Hospital. He was scheduled to travel to the United States on January 7 for further treatment, with a team from Johns Hopkins Hospital ready in Baltimore.
As part of preparations, the Johns Hopkins team requested an MRI and lumbar puncture, while Nigerian doctors decided to insert a central line for IV medication. Atlantis Hospital referred the family to Euracare to carry out these procedures.
Adichie stated that upon arrival, Nkanu was sedated for the procedures. She claimed that while waiting outside, she learned the child had received an overdose of propofol, causing him to become unresponsive. Although resuscitated and placed on a ventilator, Nkanu later suffered seizures and cardiac arrest, resulting in his death.
Euracare Hospital responded by expressing sympathy to the family but denied inaccuracies in some circulating reports. The hospital stated that Nkanu was already critically ill upon arrival, had previously received treatment at two pediatric centers, and that all procedures were carried out following established clinical protocols and international standards.
Euracare confirmed it had initiated an internal investigation and pledged full cooperation with regulatory authorities, while offering ongoing support to the grieving family.
The case has drawn national attention, highlighting concerns about patient safety and medical accountability in Nigeria’s private healthcare sector.
