The Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has invoked its order of suspension against the Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Dr Tosin Majekodunmi, and two others, after establishing a prima facie case of medical negligence against them in the management of the late 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 Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos. He was 21 months old.
Apart from the Medical Director at Euracare, the panel also suspended the anesthesiologist at the same hospital, Dr Titus Ogundare, as well as the Chief Medical Officer at Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, Dr Atinuke Uwajeh.
The trio were suspended from medical practice in Nigeria pending the determination of their case by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
A statement signed by the committee’s secretary, Dr Enejo Abdu, also disclosed it was determining if there is a prima facie case of professional misconduct against 10 other doctors.
These are Dr Adeseye Akinsete, Dr Chidinma Ohagwu, Dr Anthony Ajeh, Dr Amarachi Bayo, and Dr Nkechi Peji. Others are Dr Olaoye Oludare, Dr Agaja Oyinkansola, Dr Patricia Akintan, Dr Babatunde Bamgboye, and Dr Raji Faidat.
The panel, which also cleared eight other doctors, reached these decisions after considering the complaint against all 21 doctors and reviewing their counter-affidavits, including their oral depositions on oath.
It concluded its investigation at its 25th session held at Excel Hotel & Resort in Abuja on February 17 and 18, 2026.
The 21-month-old child, Nkanu Adichie-Esege, was initially admitted to Atlantis Hospital in Lagos for what was described as a worsening but initially mild illness.
While arrangements were being made to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States, Atlantis referred him to Euracare for pre-flight diagnostic procedures, including an MRI, lumbar puncture, and insertion of a central line.
However, the child passed following the procedures.
His parents have alleged medical negligence and professional misconduct in connection with his death.
In a legal notice dated January 10, 2026, issued by the law firm led by Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), Ms Adichie and her husband accused Euracare, its anesthesiologist, and other attending medical personnel of breaching the duty of care owed to their son.
The notice stated that the child, born on March 25, 2024, was referred to Euracare on January 6, 2026, for diagnostic and preparatory procedures ahead of an emergency medical evacuation to the United States, where a specialist team was reportedly on standby.
The procedures reportedly included: Echocardiogram, Brain MRI, and insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter.
Lumbar puncture, Intravenous sedation using propofol was administered.
The parents alleged that the child developed sudden and severe complications while being transported to the cardiac catheterisation laboratory after the MRI.
The development has raised worries and questions about the country’s healthcare.