By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has accused Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital of covering up the circumstances surrounding the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi Adichie-Esege. She made the allegations in a letter published on Facebook on Saturday. The letter, dated April 16, 2026, detailed events before and after Nkanu’s death on January 7, 2026, at the Lagos hospital. Adichie claimed medical negligence, a misleading death certificate, and deliberate attempts to frustrate an ongoing coroner’s inquest while demanding justice for her son.
Adichie Publishes Letter Alleging Medical Negligence
Adichie said she released the letter because remaining silent would enable what she described as wrongdoing by Euracare.
She alleged that the hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Tosin Majekodunmi, visited her family’s Ikoyi residence on January 8, one day after Nkanu died.
According to her, Majekodunmi admitted that the anaesthesiologist, Dr. Titus Ogundare, failed to follow the accepted standard of care.
She claimed the doctor earlier told her that Ogundare administered “too much propofol” during the procedure. She described those words as his exact statement after she saw him rush into the catheterisation laboratory.
Hospital Director Allegedly Accepted Responsibility
Adichie said Majekodunmi accepted full responsibility for the incident. She also claimed he promised to dismiss Dr. Ogundare.
However, she alleged that communication later stopped after Euracare management intervened and took control of the matter.
Death Certificate Disputed
The award-winning author challenged the cause of death listed on Nkanu’s death certificate.
She alleged that Euracare recorded bacterial and fungal meningitis as the cause of death. According to her, the certificate does not reflect what happened.
Instead, she argued that it should state improper sedation, hypoxic brain injury, and cardiac arrest as the true cause of death.
“When Nkanu came to Euracare that morning for tests, he was conscious, talking, and interactive. He was sick, but he was not critical,” she said.
Claims of Intimidation
Adichie also alleged that a senior figure linked to Euracare’s ownership sent a message to a family member.
According to her, the individual warned against pursuing legal action because damaging allegations could emerge during court proceedings.
She described the message as manipulative and implicitly threatening.
“They can drag all they wish in the mud, but our quest for justice will continue,” she said.
Coroner’s Inquest Faces Legal Challenge
Adichie noted that Euracare initially requested a coroner’s inquest in January. She said the hospital wanted to address rumours of negligence.
However, she alleged that the hospital later adopted delaying tactics and is now attempting to halt the proceedings.
On May 26, the Lagos State High Court granted Euracare permission to challenge the Coroner’s Court’s jurisdiction. The court also stayed the inquest pending the outcome of the hospital’s judicial review application.
Following the ruling, the Coroner’s Court adjourned the case until October 8, 2026.
Lagos Government Opposes Euracare’s Application
The Lagos State Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), and the Chief Coroner have filed a preliminary objection against Euracare’s application.
They urged the High Court to dismiss the suit, describing it as incompetent, premature, and an abuse of court process.
Meanwhile, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria suspended Dr. Ogundare, Dr. Majekodunmi, and the Chief Medical Officer of Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh, pending disciplinary proceedings.
As of the time of filing this report, Euracare had not responded publicly to Adichie’s latest allegations.
