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 establishing a prima facie case of medical negligence in the treatment of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege.
Nkanu, the son of acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege, died on January 7, 2026, following medical care at Atlantis Hospital and procedures carried out at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital 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 three doctors are barred from practising medicine in Nigeria pending the outcome of proceedings before the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
According to a statement signed by the panel’s secretary, Dr. Enejo Abdu, the panel also found a prima facie case of professional misconduct against 10 other doctors. They are 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.
The panel reached its decisions after reviewing a complaint filed against 21 doctors, along with their counter-affidavits and oral depositions under oath. The investigation was concluded at the panel’s 25th session held on February 17 and 18, 2026, at Excel Hotel & Resort in Abuja.
The child was initially admitted to Atlantis Hospital in Lagos for what was described as a worsening but initially mild illness. While plans were underway to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States for advanced treatment, Atlantis referred him 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 with propofol. The parents alleged that the child developed sudden and severe complications while being transported to the cardiac catheterisation laboratory after the MRI and subsequently died.
In a legal notice dated January 10, 2026, issued by the law firm led by Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), Adichie and her husband accused Euracare, its anesthesiologist, and other attending medical personnel of breaching the duty of care owed to their son.
The matter is now set to proceed before the disciplinary tribunal for further determination.