The Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel set up by 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 findings of alleged medical negligence in the treatment of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege.
Nkanu, one of the twin sons of acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Ivara Esege, died on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief illness.
Recounting the events surrounding her son’s death, Adichie alleged that medical negligence occurred during his treatment at Euracare Hospital in Lagos. She explained that Nkanu was taken to the facility for an MRI scan and the insertion of a central line after initially developing what appeared to be a common cold, which later progressed into a severe infection.
According to her account, the child was sedated with propofol for the procedure but was not adequately monitored afterwards. This reportedly led to serious complications, including loss of responsiveness, seizures and cardiac arrest.
“He would be alive today if not for an incident at Euracare Hospital on January 6,” Adichie stated.
Following its investigation, the panel suspended Majekodunmi, the hospital’s anaesthesiologist, Dr Titus Ogundare, and the Chief Medical Officer at Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, Dr Atinuke Uwajeh.
The trio has been barred from practising medicine in Nigeria pending the determination of their cases by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
In addition, the panel found a prima facie case of professional misconduct against 10 other doctors, while eight practitioners were cleared of any wrongdoing.
The decisions followed a review of complaints against 21 doctors, including examination of counter-affidavits and oral depositions made under oath.
The investigation was concluded during the panel’s 25th session held in Abuja on February 17 and 18, 2026.