Solicitors representing acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie and her partner, Dr Ivara Esege, have written to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Lagos, alleging breaches of duty of care over the death of their 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi, as the Lagos State Government confirmed the suspension of the anaesthesiologist involved.
In a legal notice dated January 10, 2026, and signed by Prof Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) of PINHEIRO LP, the parents alleged lapses in paediatric anaesthetic and procedural care following diagnostic procedures conducted on January 6 ahead of a planned medical evacuation to the United States.
The notice cited concerns over the use and dosing of propofol, airway protection, monitoring, patient transfer conditions, availability of resuscitation equipment, and informed consent, warning that the alleged failures amounted to prima facie medical negligence and demanding certified copies of all medical records and preservation of evidence within seven days.
Euracare said it had commenced “a detailed investigation” in line with clinical governance standards, while the Lagos State Government said it had launched a parallel probe, with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, confirming that the anaesthesiologist had been suspended, saying, “It’s an active investigation… the hospital itself is also doing its own internal investigation.”
The case has sparked public outrage, with the child’s aunt and family doctor, Dr Anthea Nwandu, disputing the hospital’s account and alleging multiple departures from international standards, stating, “International standards demand that a child on oxygen, who is given sedation, must have continuous oxygen therapy… Did Euracare do this? No,” while Adichie alleged her son was given an “excessive dose of propofol” and was not properly monitored before his condition deteriorated, leading to his death on January 7.