MDCN Suspends Three Doctors Following Death of Chimamanda Adichie’s Son

The Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel has suspended the Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Dr. Tunde (Tosin) Majekodunmi, and two other senior doctors following an investigation into the tragic death of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege. The boy was the son of world-renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege. The panel, in its findings released on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, established a prima facie case of medical negligence and professional misconduct.

Alongside Dr. Majekodunmi, the panel also suspended Dr. Titus Ogundare, an anesthesiologist at Euracare, and Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh, the Chief Medical Officer of Atlantis Pediatric Hospital. The trio has been barred from practicing medicine in Nigeria pending the final determination of their cases by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal. Furthermore, the panel identified 10 other doctors from Atlantis Pediatric Hospital as having a prima facie case of misconduct, while eight others were cleared of any wrongdoing.

The investigation was triggered by the events of early January 2026. Nkanu had been admitted for a worsening illness, and while arrangements were being made for an emergency medical evacuation to the United States, he was referred to Euracare for diagnostic procedures, including an MRI and the insertion of a central line. Chimamanda Adichie later alleged that her son was administered an excessive dose of propofol and was not properly monitored, leading to cardiac arrest and his subsequent death on January 7, 2026.

In response, Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital has defended its clinical team, expressing confidence in their professionalism and raising concerns about the investigation's process and confidentiality. While the hospital continues to sympathize with the bereaved family, it has vowed to challenge the findings through appropriate legal channels. Meanwhile, a coroner’s inquest into the child’s death is scheduled to begin at the Yaba Magistrate Court in Lagos on April 14, 2026.

Do you think these suspensions are a necessary step toward medical accountability in Nigeria, or is the process being rushed due to the high profile of the case? Share your comments below!

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