Nigeria’s medical regulator has taken disciplinary action against three senior doctors following an investigation into the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege.
The Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) suspended the Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Dr Tunde Majekodunmi, alongside the hospital’s anesthesiologist, Dr Titus Ogundare, and the Chief Medical Officer at Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, Dr Atinuke Uwajeh.
The child, one of the twin sons of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Ivara Esege, died on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief illness.
Adichie had publicly alleged medical negligence in the treatment of her son. She explained that Nkanu was taken to Euracare Hospital in Lagos for an MRI scan and insertion of a central line after what initially appeared to be a common cold escalated into what she described as “a very serious infection.”
During the procedure, the toddler was sedated with propofol but was reportedly not properly monitored afterward. Complications followed, including loss of responsiveness, seizures and cardiac arrest.
“He would be alive today if not for an incident at Euracare Hospital on January 6th,” Adichie said.
Following its review, the panel ruled that Majekodunmi, Ogundare and Uwajeh should be suspended from medical practice in Nigeria pending the outcome of proceedings before the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
Beyond the three suspensions, the panel found a prima facie case of professional misconduct against 10 other doctors: Dr Adeseye Akinsete, Dr Chidinma Ohagwu, Dr Anthony Ajeh, Dr Amarachi Bayo, Dr Nkechi Peji, Dr Olaoye Oludare, Dr Agaja Oyinkansola, Dr Patricia Akintan, Dr Babatunde Bamgboye and Dr Raji Faidat.
Eight additional doctors were cleared of any wrongdoing.
The MDCN said its decisions followed a comprehensive review of complaints involving 21 doctors, examination of counter-affidavits and consideration of oral depositions made under oath.
The investigation was concluded during the panel’s 25th session held in Abuja on February 17 and 18, 2026, setting the stage for formal disciplinary proceedings.
