MDCN Panel Suspends Euracare Director, Two Doctors Over Alleged Negligence in Death of Chimamanda Adichie’s Son
The Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria has suspended Dr. Tunde Majekodunmi, Medical Director of Euracare Multi‑Specialist Hospital, alongside two other doctors, following findings of medical negligence in the treatment of 21‑month‑old Nkanu Adichie‑Esege.
Nkanu, one of the twin sons of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege, tragically passed away on January 7, 2026, after a brief illness. Adichie alleged that her son’s death was the result of negligent medical care at Euracare Hospital in Lagos.
According to her account, the child was taken to the hospital for an MRI scan and insertion of a central line after what initially appeared to be a common cold developed into a severe infection. During the procedure, Nkanu was sedated with propofol but allegedly not adequately monitored, leading to complications including seizures, cardiac arrest, and eventual death.
Following its investigation, the panel suspended Dr. Majekodunmi, Euracare’s anesthesiologist Dr. Titus Ogundare, and Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh, Chief Medical Officer at Atlantis Pediatric Hospital. They are barred from medical practice in Nigeria pending determination of their cases before the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
The panel also established a prima facie case of professional misconduct against ten other doctors, while eight were cleared of wrongdoing. In total, complaints against 21 practitioners were reviewed, with the panel considering affidavits and oral depositions under oath.
The investigation was concluded during the panel’s 25th session held in Abuja on February 17–18, 2026.
