The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has provisionally suspended three doctors, including the director of a private hospital, following the death of the 21-month-old son of acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
The child, Nkanu Adichie-Esege, one of the author’s twin sons, died on January 7, 2026 after complications during medical procedures at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos.
Following an investigation, the MDCN’s Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel said it found a prima facie case of medical negligence and professional misconduct connected to the treatment of the toddler.
Those suspended include the medical director of Euracare, Dr. Tosin Majekodunmi, the hospital’s anaesthesiologist, Dr. Titus Ogundare, and Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh, the chief medical director of Atlantis Paediatric Hospital. The council ordered their interim suspension from medical practice pending the outcome of formal disciplinary proceedings.
The regulatory body said the suspensions followed the conclusion of its investigative panel session in Abuja, which reviewed complaints and testimonies related to the case. The matter has now been referred to the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Disciplinary Tribunal for further hearing and determination.
The council emphasised that its findings are preliminary and do not constitute a final determination of liability. It added that the affected doctors are entitled to a full hearing before any final decision is reached.
The investigation began after a formal complaint was lodged with the MDCN in January over the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
Meanwhile, Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital has expressed sympathy to Adichie’s family and stated that it has confidence in the professionalism of the doctors involved while pledging to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
Adichie, a globally celebrated Nigerian writer known for works such as Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah, had earlier alleged that negligence at the hospital contributed to her son’s death, a claim that triggered the regulatory probe.
