Medical panel suspends 3 doctors over death of Chimamanda’s son
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel has suspended three medical practitioners after establishing a prima facie case of medical negligence against them in the management of 21-month-old, Nkanu Adichie-Esege.
Nkanu, the son of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege, died on January 7, 2026, after receiving care at Atlantis Hospital and undergoing medical procedures at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos.
Those suspended include the Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Dr. Tunde Majekodunmi, the anesthesiologist at the same hospital, Dr. Titus Ogundare, and the Chief Medical Officer at Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh.
The trio are suspended from medical practice in Nigeria pending the determination of their case by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
A statement signed by the Secretary of the panel, Dr. Enejo Abdu, also disclosed that the panel, in its findings, also determined that there is a prima facie case of misconduct in a professional respect against 10 other doctors.
They are Dr. Adeseye Akinsete, Dr. Chidinma Ohagwu, Dr. Anthony Ajeh, Dr. Amarachi Bayo, and Dr. Nkechi Peji. Others are Dr. Olaoye Oludare, Dr. Agaja Oyinkansola, Dr. Patricia Akintan, Dr. Babatunde Bamgboye, and Dr. Raji Faidat.
The panel, which also cleared 8 other doctors, reached these decisions after considering the complaint against all 21 doctors and reviewing their counter-affidavits, including their oral depositions on oath.
The panel concluded its investigation at its 25th session held at Excel Hotel & Resort in Abuja on Feb 17th & 18th, 2026,
The 21-month-old child, Nkanu Adichie-Esege, was initially admitted to Atlantis Hospital in Lagos for what was described as a worsening but initially mild illness.
While arrangements were being made to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States, Atlantis referred him to Euracare for pre-flight diagnostic procedures, including an MRI, lumbar puncture, and insertion of a central line.
However, the child passed following the procedures.
His parents have alleged medical negligence and professional misconduct in connection with his death.
