Nigeria’s medical authorities have provisionally suspended the director of a private hospital and two other doctors following the death of the 21-month-old son of author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Nkanu Adichie-Esege, one of twins, died on 7 January after complications arose during preparatory medical procedures at Euracare Hospital in Lagos.
The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria investigation panel found a prima facie case of medical negligence against Euracare and Atlantis Hospital regarding the child’s care. Pending the outcomes of a disciplinary tribunal, the three doctors have been suspended from practising medicine. Dr Munir Bature, publicity secretary for the Nigeria Medical Association, confirmed the suspensions and noted that the doctors could permanently lose their licences depending on the tribunal’s findings.
The family of Adichie has alleged negligence, claiming that medical staff denied oxygen to her son and administered excessive sedation, which led to cardiac arrest. The hospital expressed its “deepest sympathies” over the death but denied any wrongdoing.
An inquest into Nkanu’s death is scheduled to begin on 14 April at the Yaba Magistrate Court, where medical experts and hospital representatives will give evidence to establish the circumstances and cause of death. The case has prompted wider discussion about patient safety in Nigeria, with the health ministry acknowledging systemic challenges and establishing a national task force on clinical governance and patient safety.
Adichie is internationally recognised for works including Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah, and her essay We Should All Be Feminists was sampled by Beyoncé in Flawless. She is known for exploring themes of gender and immigration and is regarded as a leading voice in postcolonial feminist literature.
