The Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel has suspended the Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Dr. Tunde Majekodunmi, and two other doctors over alleged medical negligence in the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Also suspended are Dr. Titus Ogundare, an anesthesiologist at Euracare, and Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh, Chief Medical Officer at Atlantis Pediatric Hospital. The trio has been barred from practising medicine in Nigeria pending the determination of their case before the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
In a statement signed by the panel’s Secretary, Dr. Enejo Abdu, the body said it found a prima facie case of medical negligence and professional misconduct in the management of the child, who died on January 7, 2026, after receiving treatment at Atlantis Hospital and undergoing procedures at Euracare in Lagos.
The panel further disclosed that it established a prima facie case of professional misconduct against 10 other doctors involved in the child’s care. However, eight of the 21 medical practitioners initially investigated were cleared after the panel reviewed written submissions, counter-affidavits and oral depositions made under oath.
Nkanu was first admitted to Atlantis Hospital in Lagos for what was described as a worsening but initially mild illness. As arrangements were being made to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States for advanced specialist care, Atlantis referred him to Euracare for pre-flight diagnostic and preparatory procedures.
According to a legal notice dated January 10, 2026, issued by the law firm led by Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), the procedures conducted included an echocardiogram, brain MRI, lumbar puncture, insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter, and intravenous sedation using propofol.
The parents alleged that the child developed sudden and severe complications while being transported to the cardiac catheterisation laboratory after the MRI and subsequently passed away.
They accused the hospital and attending medical personnel of breaching the duty of care owed to their son.
The matter is expected to proceed before the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal for full adjudication.