The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria has suspended the Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Dr Tunde Majekodunmi, along with two other physicians, after its investigative panel found evidence of medical negligence in the treatment of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege.
The PUNCH reported that Nkanu, one of the twin sons of acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Ivara Esege, died on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, following a short illness.
Adichie had earlier recounted circumstances surrounding her son’s death, alleging lapses in medical care.
According to her, the toddler was taken to Euracare Hospital in Lagos for an MRI scan and the insertion of a central line after what initially appeared to be a common cold progressed into what she described as a severe infection.
During the procedure, Nkanu was sedated and administered propofol but was allegedly not adequately monitored afterwards.
The situation reportedly deteriorated, leading to unresponsiveness, seizures and ultimately cardiac arrest.
Adichie maintained, “He would be alive today if not for an incident at Euracare Hospital on January 6th.”
After reviewing the case, the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel suspended Majekodunmi, the hospital’s anesthesiologist, Dr Titus Ogundare, and the Chief Medical Officer of Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, Dr Atinuke Uwajeh.
The three doctors are prohibited from practising medicine in Nigeria pending the outcome of proceedings before the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
The panel also determined that there is a prima facie case of professional misconduct against 10 additional doctors: Dr Adeseye Akinsete, Dr Chidinma Ohagwu, Dr Anthony Ajeh, Dr Amarachi Bayo, Dr Nkechi Peji, Dr Olaoye Oludare, Dr Agaja Oyinkansola, Dr Patricia Akintan, Dr Babatunde Bamgboye and Dr Raji Faidat.
Eight other doctors investigated in connection with the case were cleared of wrongdoing.
The decisions followed a review of petitions filed against the 21 doctors, their counter-affidavits and sworn oral testimonies.
The panel concluded its findings during its 25th sitting held in Abuja on February 17 and 18, 2026.
