Euracare defends suspended doctors, alleges “serious breach” in probe into Chimamanda Adichie’s son’s death

Euracare Multispecialist Hospital has defended two of its doctors placed on interim suspension by the investigation panel of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) over the death of Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

The hospital also questioned aspects of the process, citing concerns over due procedure and what it described as a “serious breach” of confidentiality during the ongoing inquiry.

On Tuesday, the MDCN panel suspended Euracare’s medical director alongside two other doctors following its review of the case.

Nkanu, one of Adichie’s twins, died on 7 January 2026 after complications arising from preparatory medical procedures. The author later served the hospital with a legal notice, alleging that medical negligence and professional misconduct contributed to her son’s death.

Subsequently, the MDCN constituted an investigative panel to examine the matter. In its findings, the panel stated that a prima facie case of medical negligence had been established against Euracare and Atlantis Hospital in the management of Nkanu’s treatment.

As a result, Tunde Majekodunmi, Euracare’s medical director; Titus Ogundare, the anaesthesiologist; and Atinuke Uwajeg, chief medical officer of Atlantis Hospital, were suspended.

The three practitioners have been prohibited from practising in Nigeria pending the outcome of proceedings before the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.

Enejo Abdu, secretary of the panel, further revealed that sufficient evidence of professional misconduct had been identified against 10 additional doctors at Atlantis Hospital.

The panel concluded its investigation during its 25th sitting in Abuja on 17 and 18 February, while a coroner’s inquest into the case is scheduled to commence on 14 April.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Euracare said it remains fully committed to cooperating with all regulatory and judicial authorities throughout their investigations.

The hospital expressed confidence in the competence and integrity of the two suspended doctors, describing them as seasoned professionals with years of dedicated service within Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“Both doctors have, in their respective careers, contributed meaningfully to the delivery of quality healthcare to Nigerian patients at a standard comparable to what is obtainable in the world’s leading medical facilities,” the statement reads.

Euracare stated that it had undertaken a comprehensive internal review of the clinical events in question in line with its governance framework and best practice standards.

It added that it has consistently upheld transparency and will continue to engage openly with the relevant authorities.

However, the hospital highlighted what it termed significant procedural concerns.

“It is our position that certain established processes and protocols have not been followed in the manner required,” it said.

“We have further noted, with deep concern, that matters covered by patient and institutional confidentiality appear to have been disclosed outside the appropriate channels, and we consider this a serious breach that cannot go unaddressed.”

According to Euracare, all parties involved — including the institution and its personnel — are entitled to a process conducted with rigour, impartiality and strict adherence to established regulations.

The hospital indicated that it would pursue its concerns through appropriate legal and regulatory avenues.

While standing by its doctors, Euracare also conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family, acknowledging that the loss of a child is “a grief without measure.”

“We carry that awareness in everything we say and do in relation to this matter,” it added.