PANEL SUSPENDS EURACARE MEDICAL DIRECTOR, TWO OTHERS OVER ALLEGED NEGLIGENCE IN ADICHIE’S SON’S DEATH

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The Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel has invoked its order of suspension against the Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Dr. Tunde Majekodunmi, and two other doctors after establishing a prima facie case of medical negligence in the management of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege.

Nkanu, the son of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege, died on January 7, 2026, after receiving care at Atlantis Hospital and undergoing medical procedures at Euracare in Lagos.

In addition to Majekodunmi, the panel suspended Euracare’s anesthesiologist, Dr. Titus Ogundare, and the Chief Medical Officer of Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh. The trio has been barred from medical practice in Nigeria pending the determination of their case by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.

A statement signed by the Secretary of the panel, Dr. Enejo Abdu, disclosed that the investigation also established a prima facie case of professional misconduct against 10 other doctors. However, eight of the 21 doctors initially investigated were cleared.

The panel reached its decision after reviewing the complaint, counter-affidavits, and oral depositions on oath during its 25th session held on February 17 and 18, 2026, in Abuja.

According to findings, the child was initially admitted to Atlantis Hospital in Lagos for what was described as a worsening but initially mild illness. While arrangements were underway for his transfer to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States for further treatment, he was referred to Euracare for pre-flight diagnostic procedures.

The procedures reportedly included an echocardiogram, brain MRI, lumbar puncture, insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter, and intravenous sedation using propofol. The child later developed severe complications while being transported to the cardiac catheterisation laboratory following the MRI and subsequently died.

In a legal notice dated January 10, 2026, issued by the law firm led by Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), the parents accused Euracare, its anesthesiologist, and other attending medical personnel of breaching the duty of care owed to their son.

The case will now proceed before the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal for further determination.