Renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, have issued a one-week ultimatum to a Lagos hospital to release their deceased toddler’s full medical records, warning of legal action and accusing staff of negligence that led to the child’s death during routine procedures, according to a letter from their lawyers.
The demand, outlined in a four-page document dated January 10, 2026, from the firm Pinheiro LP, insists Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital provide certified copies of all treatment notes, consent forms, drug charts, and procedural reports related to 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi Adichie-Esege, who died on January 7 after complications from sedation for an MRI and central line insertion.
Signed by founding partner Kemi Pinheiro, the letter states: “These matters disclose prima facie breaches of the duty of care owed to the deceased child.”
It lists 12 concerns, including improper propofol dosage for a child of that age, lack of airway protection, absence of monitoring during transfer, and failure to follow pediatric protocols, adding that non-compliance within seven days would trigger “all available legal, regulatory, and judicial remedies.”
The lawyers also instructed the hospital to preserve all evidence, including CCTV footage and digital logs, cautioning: “Any destruction, alteration, or tampering with evidence after receipt of the notice would be regarded as obstruction of justice, attracting legal consequences.”
Adichie, famed for works like “Americanah,” has publicly blamed an anesthesiologist’s “criminal negligence” for the tragedy, claiming in a message to loved ones that the child was overdosed and inadequately monitored, leading to seizures and cardiac arrest
Euracare Hospital has not issued a public response to the allegations or the ultimatum, with the letter addressed to its medical director, Dr. Tosin Majekodunmi.
The incident has drawn condolences from Nigerian leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, as Adichie and Esege reserve all rights for further claims amid calls for accountability in the nation’s healthcare system.
Hospital denies negligence claims
The hospital management extended its condolences to Ms Adichie and her family, describing the loss as “beyond words” and saying it recognised the grief of the family during “this deeply distressing time.”
In its statement, Euracare said some reports circulating in the media were inaccurate.
It described itself as “a reputable centre for complex medical care, led by an internationally trained and experienced clinical team.”
The hospital added that Master Nnamdi, who it said was critically ill, was referred to its facility for specific diagnostic procedures after receiving treatment at two paediatric centres.
“Upon arrival, our medical team immediately provided care in line with established clinical protocols and internationally accepted medical standards, including the administration of sedation where clinically indicated,” the hospital said.
Euracare said it worked collaboratively with external medical teams recommended by the family and ensured that all necessary clinical support was provided.
The hospital said that despite the efforts, Master Nnamdi passed away less than 24 hours after arriving at the facility.
“We have commenced a detailed investigation consistent with our clinical governance standards and best practices. We remain committed to engaging transparently and responsibly with all clinical and regulatory processes,” the statement added.
The hospital said it respects the family’s privacy and was allowing due process to take its course.
Adichie had alleged that her son was not properly monitored after the sedative was administered.
“My son would be alive today if not for an incident at Euracare Hospital on January 6th,” she said in a statement.
“It turns out that Nkanu was never monitored after being given too much propofol. The anesthesiologist had just casually carried Nkanu on his shoulder to the theatre, so nobody knew when exactly Nkanu became unresponsive,” she alleged.
