Renowned Author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Family Accuses Lagos Hospital of Negligence After Son’s Tragic Death

In a development that has sparked national outrage and intense scrutiny of private healthcare, acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her family have formally accused a Lagos hospital of medical negligence in the death of their 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi Esege. The tragedy has drawn widespread public reaction and prompted an official government probe.

Nkanu—one of twin boys born to Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege, via surrogacy in 2024—died on January 7, 2026, after a series of medical procedures at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos. The family alleges the toddler’s death was the result of a cascade of clinical failures and negligence by hospital staff. 

Family Alleges Serious Lapses in Care

According to a detailed legal notice served on the hospital, the child was referred to Euracare on January 6 for a set of diagnostic procedures as part of preparation for a planned medical evacuation to the United States. (ThisDayLive)

The notice—issued on January 10, 2026—claims that during sedation with the anaesthetic propofol, Nkanu was not adequately monitored, and that a series of breaches of standard pediatric care occurred during and after the procedures. The alleged failures include:

• Excessive or inappropriate sedation with propofol
• Lack of adequate oxygen and monitoring during transfers between hospital departments
• Insufficient accompanying medical personnel and basic resuscitation equipment
• Breaches of safety protocols for pediatric anesthesia (ThisDayLive)

The legal notice characterises these lapses as prima facie breaches of duty of care, demanding the hospital produce all relevant medical records, monitoring logs, CCTV footage and other documentation within seven days to comply with legal and regulatory scrutiny. (saharareporters.com)

Hospital Responds, Government Launches Probe

Euracare has publicly expressed condolences for the family’s loss but denied allegations of negligence, stating that the toddler was critically ill upon arrival and that staff “provided care in line with established clinical protocols and internationally accepted standards.” (News24)

Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death, with the state health regulator and relevant medical councils charged with reviewing the case. Officials said they have “zero tolerance for negligence or unprofessional conduct” in healthcare facilities. (The Telegraph Nigeria)

Public Outcry and Broader Questions on Health Care

The tragedy has reignited heated conversations online and across social media about the quality of health care in Nigeria, particularly in private facilities. Many commentators have pointed to alleged systemic issues such as inadequate staffing, lack of emergency equipment, and inconsistent clinical safeguards—even in upscale hospitals. (gbcghanaonline.com)

In interviews, family members—including Adichie’s sister-in-law, Dr. Anthea Nwandu—claimed that Nkanu was left without oxygen, suffered brain injury from lack of care, and was moved between departments without proper monitoring, leading to catastrophic complications. (gbcghanaonline.com)

The family’s legal team is now seeking accountability and transparency, underscoring that this case could have broader implications for patient rights and clinical standards in Nigeria’s private healthcare sector. (saharareporters.com)

A Nation’s Grief and a Family’s Fight

The loved ones of Nkanu have received condolences from across Nigeria and beyond, but the family’s focus remains on uncovering the full truth behind their son’s death and pushing for justice. The outcome of the ongoing legal action and the official investigation could influence future medical accountability and reform efforts. (ThisDayLive)

As this case continues to unfold, BreakingPointNews will provide updates and exclusive analysis.