LAWYERS representing acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie have formally written to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Lagos, over the tragic death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi.
The Lagos State Government has confirmed the suspension of the anaesthesiologist involved as investigations continue.
In a legal notice dated January 10, 2026, the law firm PINHEIRO LP, led by Prof. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), alleged that the hospital and its staff breached their duty of care.
The child had been referred to Euracare on January 6, 2026, from Atlantis Pediatric Hospital for a series of diagnostic procedures, including an echocardiogram, brain MRI, PICC line insertion, and lumbar puncture.
These were preparatory steps for a planned medical evacuation to the United States, where a specialist team awaited him.
During transportation to the cardiac catheterisation lab, the child reportedly suffered severe complications while under sedation with propofol.
The notice alleges multiple lapses in paediatric anaesthesia and patient transfer protocols, including inadequate airway protection, insufficient monitoring, absence of supplemental oxygen, and a lack of necessary resuscitation equipment.
The lawyers claim these failures contributed directly to the child’s death on January 7, 2026.
The parents have demanded certified copies of all medical records, including admission notes, consent forms, anaesthetic charts, monitoring logs, and CCTV footage from the hospital, warning that any destruction or tampering with evidence would carry legal consequences.
Euracare Hospital stated that it is conducting a detailed internal investigation, while the Lagos State Government confirmed its probe. Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser on Health, noted that the anaesthesiologist had been suspended pending the investigation.
Dr. Anthea Nwandu, the child’s aunt and family doctor, criticized the hospital’s claims, asserting that proper international standards of paediatric sedation and monitoring were not followed.
She described the child’s transfer and sedation as unsafe, with vital monitoring and resuscitation protocols ignored.
Chimamanda Adichie confirmed that her son, initially thought to have a mild infection, deteriorated after receiving sedation and tragically passed away despite planned evacuation for specialized care abroad.