The Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel has suspended the Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Dr. Tunde Majekodunmi, and two other doctors after finding a prima facie case of medical negligence in the treatment of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege.
Nkanu, the son of writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege, died on January 7, 2026.
He had first received care at Atlantis Hospital before undergoing medical procedures at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos.
Alongside Majekodunmi, the panel suspended Dr. Titus Ogundare, an anesthesiologist at Euracare, and Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh, the Chief Medical Officer at Atlantis Pediatric Hospital.
The three doctors have been barred from practising medicine in Nigeria until the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal concludes the case against them.
In a statement signed by the Secretary of the panel, Dr. Enejo Abdu, it was disclosed that the panel also found a prima facie case of professional misconduct against 10 other doctors.
Those named are Dr. Adeseye Akinsete, Dr. Chidinma Ohagwu, Dr. Anthony Ajeh, Dr. Amarachi Bayo, and Dr. Nkechi Peji. Others include Dr. Olaoye Oludare, Dr. Agaja Oyinkansola, Dr. Patricia Akintan, Dr. Babatunde Bamgboye, and Dr. Raji Faidat.
However, the panel cleared eight other doctors after reviewing the complaint filed against all 21 medical practitioners. It also considered their counter-affidavits and oral statements given under oath.
The panel completed its investigation during its 25th session held at Excel Hotel and Resort in Abuja on February 17 and 18, 2026.
Reports said that Ms Adichie’s son had initially been admitted to Atlantis Hospital in Lagos for what doctors described as a worsening but mild illness.
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As plans were being made to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States, Atlantis Hospital referred him to Euracare for pre-flight tests. These tests included an MRI, a lumbar puncture, and the insertion of a central line.
The child later died after the procedures were carried out.
His parents have accused the hospitals and medical staff of 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), the parents alleged that Euracare, its anesthesiologist, and other medical personnel failed in their duty of care to their son.
The notice explained that the child, who was born on March 25, 2024, was referred to Euracare on January 6, 2026, for tests and procedures ahead of an emergency medical evacuation to the United States, where a specialist team was said to be waiting.
According to the notice, the procedures included Echocardiogram, Brain MRI, and insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter.
Lumbar puncture, Intravenous sedation using propofol was administered.
The parents further claimed that their son developed sudden and severe complications while he was being moved to the cardiac catheterisation laboratory after the MRI procedure. [GWG]
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