Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her partner, Dr. Ivara Esege, have formally served Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Lagos, with a legal notice. The notice alleges medical negligence following the tragic death of their 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi Adichie-Esege.
Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered an official probe into the incident amid public concern.
The child, born March 25, 2024, was referred to Euracare on January 6, 2026, from Atlantis Pediatric Hospital for diagnostic tests and preparation for an emergency medical evacuation to the U.S., where a specialist team awaited.
Procedures reportedly included an echocardiogram, brain MRI, PICC line insertion, and a lumbar puncture under intravenous sedation with propofol.
READ ALSO: The Healthcare Rights Most Nigerians Don’t Know They Have
The legal notice claims the child suffered severe complications while being moved to the cardiac catheterisation lab after the MRI. According to the parents, the transfer violated paediatric safety and anaesthesia protocols.
Alleged Lapses in Care
The parents’ lawyers listed multiple concerns:
- Improper dosing of propofol for a critically ill child
- Inadequate airway protection during deep sedation
- Insufficient physiological monitoring
- Transfer without supplemental oxygen or enough medical staff
- Unavailability of essential resuscitation equipment
- Delayed response to respiratory or cardiovascular distress
- Failure to properly inform parents of anaesthesia risks
The notice says these actions constitute breaches of duty, making the hospital and staff liable for medical negligence.
The parents demand certified copies of all medical records, internal safety logs, and documentation of their child’s care.
They also instructed Euracare to preserve all evidence, including CCTV footage, monitoring data, pharmacy records, and communications. The lawyers warned that tampering with evidence could lead to legal consequences. Failure to comply may force the family to take full legal action.
READ ALSO: FCT Strike: Patients Suffer as Health Workers Demand Justice
The child’s aunt, Dr. Anthea Esege Nwandu, a dual board-certified physician with 30 years of experience, publicly challenged Euracare’s statement claiming inaccuracies in the family’s account.
She insisted that international medical standards were not followed. She said a sedated child requires continuous oxygen therapy and monitoring of pulse, respiration, and oxygen levels. Dr. Nwandu also highlighted the lack of resuscitation equipment, such as an ambu bag, during the transfer.
Euracare has yet to respond in detail to the legal notice. Meanwhile, Lagos State authorities continue their investigation into the tragic death.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
