News24 | Family allege medical negligence led to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s son’s death

Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s family claims medical negligence at Lagos’s Euracare Hospital caused the tragic death of her 21-month-old son.
• Euracare Hospital denies the allegations, stating the child arrived critically ill after treatment at other facilities.
• Lagos State’s governor has ordered an independent investigation, emphasising zero tolerance for medical negligence.

The family of acclaimed Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is demanding answers after alleging medical negligence led to the tragic death of her 21-month-old son.

The devastating loss has prompted the award-winning author’s family to speak out against what they describe as substandard care that could have been prevented.

Nkanu Nnamdi died at a hospital in Nigeria on Wednesday following a short illness.

As reported by the BBC, the family claims that multiple medical errors occurred at Lagos’s Euracare Hospital, resulting in the child’s death.

According to their allegations, the toddler was refused oxygen treatment and administered excessive sedative medication, which they say triggered fatal cardiac arrest.

In response to the family’s claims, Euracare Hospital offered its “deepest sympathies” while refuting allegations of substandard treatment, maintaining that care provided was consistent with international protocols, reported Arise News.

The facility stated that Nkanu had been admitted in a “critically ill” condition and confirmed an ongoing investigation into the circumstances of his death.

The serious accusations against the medical facility came to light through Dr Anthea Nwandu, Adichie’s sister-in-law, during a Saturday interview with Nigerian broadcaster Arise TV.

During the broadcast, she revealed that Euracare’s medical director had informed Adichie that her son “had received too much sedation”, leading to cardiac arrest.

Dr Nwandu’s claims extended beyond medication errors, claiming medical personnel abandoned the child without supervision, withheld oxygen treatment, and used transport methods that were “not according to standard practice”.

She further alleged that oxygen deprivation resulted in brain injury for Nkanu.

These accusations gained wider attention after a private communication from Adichie containing similar claims was made public without authorisation.

Adichie’s representative, Omawumi Ogbe, confirmed to the BBC that the message had been intended for “a close circle of family and friends” and “was not for public consumption.”

Ms Ogbe stated, “While we are saddened that such a deeply personal account of grief and trauma was leaked, the details therein highlight the devastating clinical failures the family is now forced to confront. We hope that the substance of that message, detailing the gross medical negligence that led to this tragedy, remains the central focus even as we look forward to the truth and accountability.”

The deceased child was one of twin sons born to Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, through surrogacy in 2024.

Euracare Hospital issued a comprehensive rebuttal on Saturday, expressing understanding of the family’s “profound and unimaginable loss” while asserting that “reports currently being circulated contain inaccuracies.”

The hospital detailed that Nkanu had already undergone treatment at two pediatric facilities before his transfer to their care, where staff “immediately provided care in line with established clinical protocols and internationally accepted medical standards, including the administration of sedation”.

The statement elaborated: “In the course of his care, we worked collaboratively with external medical teams as recommended by his family and ensured that all necessary clinical support was provided.”

The hospital noted that Nkanu’s death occurred within 24 hours of admission despite intensive efforts. The facility announced a “detailed investigation” while emphasising its commitment to “engaging transparently and responsibly with all clinical and regulatory processes.”

Premium Times Nigeria reports that the Governor of Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (Hefamaa) to launch an independent investigation into the death of the author’s son.

“In line with this directive, Hefamaa has since commenced investigation and has visited the facility involved as part of the ongoing inquiry. The agency will conduct a comprehensive review of all allegations and reports relating to the incident,“ reads a statement signed by the Special Adviser of Health, Kemi Ogunyemi.