The Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has suspended three doctors after establishing a prima facie case of medical negligence and professional misconduct in the tragic death of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege, one of the twin sons of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege.
Nkanu passed away on January 7, 2026, following complications from a brief illness that escalated into a serious infection.
According to a statement by Adichie dated January 10, 2026, the child was taken to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos for an MRI scan and the insertion of a central line. He was sedated—reportedly with propofol—but was allegedly not adequately monitored afterward, leading to loss of responsiveness, seizures, and cardiac arrest.
Adichie stated that her son “would be alive today if not for an incident at Euracare Hospital on January 6th.”
The panel, after reviewing complaints involving 21 doctors, counter-affidavits, and oral depositions under oath during its 25th session in Abuja on February 17–18, 2026, found sufficient grounds to proceed against:
Dr. Tunde Majekodunmi, Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital
Dr. Titus Ogundare, the anesthesiologist at Euracare
Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh, associated with Atlantis Pediatric Hospital (where initial care may have been provided).
The three doctors have been barred from practicing medicine in Nigeria pending the final determination of their cases by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
This interim suspension reflects the panel’s view that a credible case of negligence has been made, though it is not a final guilty verdict. The case has drawn widespread attention in Nigeria, renewing discussions about standards of care in private healthcare facilities.
