The family of acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has accused Euracare Hospital in Lagos of medical negligence following the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi, with allegations surfacing in reports from multiple news outlets within the last 24 hours. The hospital has denied any wrongdoing, stating that care was provided according to international standards, while authorities have launched investigations into the incident.
Nkanu Nnamdi died on January 7, 2026, after being admitted to Euracare Hospital for procedures including an MRI scan and the insertion of a central line, as part of plans to medically evacuate him to the United States for further treatment. According to Adichie and her representatives, the child was sedated with propofol but was not properly monitored after administration, leading to an overdose that caused him to become unresponsive and suffer a heart attack. The family alleges that medical staff failed to provide adequate oxygen and transported him inappropriately, resulting in a brain injury.
In a detailed statement shared privately but later leaked, Adichie expressed that her son ‘would be alive today if not for an incident at Euracare Hospital,’ highlighting what she described as criminally negligent actions by the anaesthetist. She claimed that the practitioner had a history of overdosing children, raising questions about the hospital’s oversight and protocols. The Nigerian Society of Anaesthetists has acknowledged the allegations and is monitoring the situation, with plans to investigate the registration and practices of those involved.
Euracare Hospital responded to the accusations by expressing its ‘deepest sympathies’ to the family but contested the claims, stating that Nkanu arrived in a critically ill condition and received care in line with established clinical protocols. The hospital emphasized that an external medical team was involved as per the family’s request and that a detailed investigation is underway to review the circumstances. Despite these efforts, the boy died less than 24 hours after admission, adding to the family’s grief.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, 48, is a globally renowned author known for works like ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ and ‘Americanah,’ and her advocacy for feminism. She had her twin boys, including Nkanu, via surrogate in 2024, and the loss has devastated her family and drawn condolences from prominent figures, including Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu. The incident has cast a spotlight on the challenges within Nigeria’s healthcare system, which has been grappling with shortages of medical personnel and resources.
In response to the allegations, the Lagos State government has initiated a thorough investigation through its health watchdog, with Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser on health matters, stating that any negligence or professional misconduct will be met with legal action. The government urged the public to avoid speculation while the official inquiry is ongoing, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability in medical care. The case highlights ongoing concerns about patient safety and medical standards in Nigeria, where such incidents can erode public trust in healthcare institutions. As investigations proceed, the outcome may lead to reforms or increased scrutiny of private hospitals, aiming to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time, emphasizing their focus on seeking truth and accountability for Nkanu’s death.
