A senior Nigerian lawyer has raised grave concerns over the death of Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, the 21-month-old son of celebrated author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, as the Lagos State Government ordered an urgent investigation into allegations of medical negligence at a private hospital.
Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association and a long-time advocate on medical malpractice, described the child’s death as “tragic and completely avoidable,” warning that it reflects a deeper crisis in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“I was very devastated to learn of the tragic and completely avoidable death of Nkanu Adichie,” Agbakoba wrote on X. “Having been involved in over 50 cases of medical malpractice, I am, quite honestly, not shocked that such a simple procedure at an acclaimed, reputable hospital has ended so terribly.”
My son would be alive today if not for an incident at Euracare Hospital on January 6th
Agbakoba, who said he has focused on medical malpractice for over two decades, pointed specifically to concerns around Propofol, a sedative reportedly administered to the child.
“Propofol requires great care due to its potential for cardio-respiratory failure,” he said. “An overdose can be fatal. There appears to be a strong possibility of overdose.”
He added that Nigeria’s medical care system had reached “a critical point requiring emergency action,” while offering condolences to Adichie and her family.
Lagos Orders Immediate Investigation
Amid mounting public concern, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death, which reportedly occurred on January 7, 2026, following a brief illness.
In a statement signed by Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, the state government described the loss of a child as “a profound tragedy” and extended condolences to the family.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, we commiserate sincerely with Ms Chimamanda Adichie and her family over this painful and irreparable loss,” the statement read.
The government reaffirmed its zero tolerance for medical negligence and unprofessional conduct, stressing that human life remains its highest priority.
According to Ogunyemi, HEFAMAA has already visited the facility involved and commenced a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation, reviewing clinical protocols, professional conduct, and patient safety standards.
She added that the agency would work with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and other regulatory bodies, and assured the public that findings would be made public.
“Any individual or institution found culpable of negligence, professional misconduct, or regulatory violations will face the full weight of the law,” the statement said.
Hospital Pushes Back on Allegations
The Euracare Multispecialist Hospital, where the child was treated, has denied what it described as inaccuracies in reports surrounding the incident, while expressing sympathy to the family.
In a statement, the hospital said the child was critically ill upon referral and had previously received treatment at two paediatric centres before arriving at Euracare for specific diagnostic procedures.
According to the hospital, its “internationally trained clinical team” provided care in line with established protocols and globally accepted standards, including sedation where clinically indicated.
“Despite these concerted efforts, the patient sadly passed away less than 24 hours after presenting at our facility,” the statement said.
Euracare said it had launched an internal investigation in line with its clinical governance standards and pledged transparency and cooperation with regulators.
Family Grief and Public Outcry
Nkanu was one of Adichie’s twin sons, born in 2024, with her husband, Dr Ivara Esege. The author has reportedly expressed deep anguish and anger over the circumstances surrounding her child’s death, according to accounts circulating online.
The tragedy has sparked an outpouring of grief and solidarity from writers, academics, and admirers across Africa, Europe, and North America, while intensifying debate over patient safety, oversight, and accountability in Nigeria’s private healthcare sector.
As investigations proceed, health advocates say the case could become a watershed moment for medical regulation in Lagos and beyond.
