Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, have served a legal notice on Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos alleging medical negligence in connection with the death of their 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi Adichie-Esege. The notice was delivered on January 10th, 2026, and comes amid widespread public concern and official investigations into the circumstances surrounding the toddler’s tragic death earlier this month.
Master Nkanu died in the early hours of January 7, 2026, after undergoing a series of diagnostic and preparatory medical procedures at Euracare Hospital. The child was referred to the facility on January 6th from Atlantis Pediatric Hospital as part of preparations for a planned medical evacuation to the United States, where a specialist team at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore was reportedly on standby to receive him for further treatment.
According to the legal notice signed by senior counsel and delivered on behalf of Adichie and her husband, the hospital, its anaesthesiologist, and other medical personnel breached their duty of care. The statement of claims alleges that the child was sedated with propofol for procedures including an echocardiogram, brain magnetic resonance imaging, insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter, and a lumbar puncture. It was during an internal transfer between clinical units that the child reportedly developed sudden and severe complications. He was later pronounced dead.
The legal document outlines multiple alleged lapses in clinical care. These include concerns about the appropriateness and cumulative dosing of propofol in a critically ill toddler, inadequate airway protection during deep sedation, failure to ensure continuous physiological monitoring, and unsafe transfer practices without supplemental oxygen or sufficient medical staff. Lawyers representing the family also cited alleged failures to disclose the risks of anaesthetic agents, potentially undermining informed consent. 
In the notice, the couple has demanded that Euracare Hospital produce certified copies of all medical records related to their son’s treatment within seven days of receipt. The requested records include admission and consent forms, anaesthetic charts, drug administration logs, physiological monitoring records, procedural notes, intensive care unit documentation, incident reports, and identities of all attending medical personnel. The hospital has also been formally instructed to preserve all relevant evidence, including CCTV footage, electronic monitoring data, pharmacy and drug inventory records, and internal communications. 
The legal notice warns that any destruction, alteration, or loss of evidence following its receipt may be treated as suppression of evidence and obstruction of justice, with attendant legal consequences. The letter further states that failure to comply with the demands within the stipulated timeframe will leave the parents no option but to pursue all available legal, regulatory, and judicial remedies. 
The situation has led to a formal response from the Lagos State Government. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death and the allegations of medical negligence. Officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Health are actively reviewing the case to determine if any violations of clinical and professional standards took place.
Euracare Hospital has acknowledged the incident and stated that it has initiated an internal investigation in accordance with clinical governance standards. However, the hospital has denied any allegations of negligence. The facility described the patient as critically ill upon arrival and maintained that care was provided in line with established protocols and internationally accepted medical standards. In contrast, the child’s aunt, Dr. Anthea Esege Nwandu, a dual board-certified physician, publicly challenged the hospital’s account. She alleged inconsistencies and claimed that key elements of accepted pediatric care were not followed.
Samuel Aina