Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege, have served a formal legal notice on Euracare Multi Specialist Hospital, Lagos, following the death of their 21-month-old son, Nkanu Esege.
The legal notice, dated January 10, was issued through a team of lawyers from a firm led by Professor Kemi Pinheiro (SAN). It alleges medical negligence by the hospital and members of its medical team in the care provided to the child.
According to the notice, Nkanu was referred to Euracare from another medical facility for specialised diagnostic procedures, including a brain MRI, echocardiogram, lumbar puncture, and central venous line insertion. These procedures were part of preparations for a planned medical evacuation to the United States for advanced treatment.
The family alleges that the child was sedated with propofol and later developed serious complications during movement within the hospital.
They allege a failure to ensure continuous monitoring, adequate oxygen delivery, proper airway management, and sufficient medical supervision during the child’s transfer between clinical areas.
As part of the notice, the family has demanded that Euracare provide all medical records relating to the child’s care within seven days.
The requested documents include consent forms, monitoring charts, procedural notes, ICU records, and the identities of all medical personnel involved in the child’s treatment.
They have also instructed the hospital to preserve all relevant evidence, including electronic medical records and CCTV footage, warning that failure to comply could result in further legal and regulatory action.
Euracare Hospital has expressed sympathy to the family and denied allegations of negligence.
In a statement, the hospital said the child arrived at its facility in a critical condition and that care was provided in accordance with established clinical protocols and internationally accepted medical standards. The hospital added that it would cooperate fully with any investigation by regulatory authorities.
Amid growing public concern, the Lagos State Government has ordered an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
The Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has been directed to review the hospital’s compliance with clinical protocols, professional conduct, and patient safety standards. Authorities have said the findings of the investigation will be made public.
Nkanu’s death was announced earlier this month following a brief illness. He was one of twin boys born via surrogate in 2024 to Adichie and her husband. The family has requested privacy as they continue to mourn their loss.
