MDCN Suspends Three Doctors Over Death of Chimamanda Adichie’s Son

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has suspended three medical practitioners, including the Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Dr. Tunde Majekodunmi, following a preliminary finding of medical negligence in the treatment of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege.

Nkanu, the son of celebrated Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege, died on January 7, 2026, after receiving treatment at Atlantis Pediatric Hospital and later undergoing medical procedures at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos.

In a statement released Tuesday and signed by the panel secretary, Dr. Enejo Abdu, the MDCN announced that Dr. Majekodunmi, Euracare anesthesiologist Dr. Titus Ogundare, and the Chief Medical Officer of Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh, have been suspended from medical practice in Nigeria pending the outcome of proceedings before the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.

According to the council, a prima facie case of medical negligence was established against the three doctors during the preliminary investigation.

Medical records indicate that the child was initially admitted at Atlantis Pediatric Hospital for a mild but worsening illness. Arrangements were reportedly being made to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States for specialist treatment.

As part of the preparation for the overseas transfer, Atlantis Hospital referred the child to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital for pre-flight diagnostic procedures. These included an echocardiogram, brain MRI, lumbar puncture, insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter, and intravenous sedation.

The child reportedly developed severe complications while being transported to the cardiac catheterisation laboratory after undergoing the MRI procedure and subsequently died.

In a legal notice dated January 10, 2026, the parents, through a law firm led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kemi Pinheiro, accused Euracare Hospital and its medical personnel of breaching their duty of care. The notice alleges medical negligence and professional misconduct in connection with the child’s death.

The disciplinary proceedings are expected to determine whether the doctors involved bear professional responsibility for the incident.