Euracare Multispecialist Hospital has publicly responded to serious allegations of medical negligence made by internationally acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie following the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, on January 7, 2026.
Mrs. Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege, announced the death of their youngest child after he was brought to Euracare Hospital in Lagos for routine diagnostic procedures.
In a detailed and emotional statement shared on social media and with media outlets, Adichie accused the hospital of gross professional misconduct, describing actions by the attending anaesthesiologist as “criminally negligent, fatally casual and careless with the precious life of a child.”
According to the author’s account, the child was initially treated for what appeared to be a common cold while the family was in Lagos for Christmas, but the symptoms escalated into a serious infection requiring specialised care. Her son was referred to Euracare for an MRI scan and the insertion of a central line as part of preparations for further treatment abroad.
Adichie alleges that after being sedated with propofol, her son was not closely monitored, and that the anaesthesiologist failed to observe clinical protocol, leading to complications including loss of responsiveness, seizures and ultimately cardiac arrest. She contended that her son would still be alive if proper care had been provided, and suggested that the same anaesthesiologist had been implicated in prior incidents involving the overdose of children.
“This must never happen to another child,” Adichie said, challenging the hospital’s oversight and patient safety practices.
Euracare Hospital’s Statement
In response, Euracare Hospital extended its deepest condolences to the family, calling the loss “profound and unimaginable,” but disputed what it called inaccuracies circulating in some reports about the incident. The hospital emphasised that the child was critically ill upon arrival, having been referred after treatment at two other paediatric centres, and that its internationally trained clinical team provided immediate care in line with established clinical protocols and standards.
Euracare confirmed the administration of sedation where clinically indicated and collaborative work with external medical teams, but stressed that despite all efforts, the patient passed away less than 24 hours after presenting at the facility.
It announced the commencement of a detailed internal investigation consistent with clinical governance best practices, pledging transparency and cooperation with regulatory processes while supporting the grieving family with respect and privacy.
The controversy has drawn attention beyond the immediate parties, with the Nigerian Society of Anaesthetists reportedly monitoring the case as part of broader oversight of medical negligence allegations.
Additionally, the Lagos State Government has ordered an independent probe into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
The incident has ignited public debate about standards of care in private healthcare facilities in Nigeria, patient safety, and professional accountability, especially in cases involving vulnerable patients such as infants.
As both the hospital’s internal review and official investigations continue, stakeholders are urging transparency and clarity for the benefit of the medical community and the wider public.
