The Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel has invoked its suspension order against the Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Dr. Tunde Majekodunmi, and two other doctors after establishing a prima facie case of medical negligence in the treatment of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege.
Nkanu, son of renowned Nigerian 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 in Lagos.
Doctors Suspended Pending Tribunal
In addition to Majekodunmi, the panel suspended Euracare’s anaesthesiologist, Dr. Titus Ogundare, and the Chief Medical Officer of Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh.
The three doctors have been barred from medical practice in Nigeria pending the outcome of proceedings before the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
A statement signed by the panel’s Secretary, Dr. Enejo Abdu, also revealed that a prima facie case of professional misconduct was established against 10 other doctors.
They include 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 other doctors were cleared after the panel reviewed complaints, counter-affidavits, and oral depositions given under oath.
The investigation was concluded during the panel’s 25th session held at Excel Hotel & Resort in Abuja on February 17 and 18, 2026.
Circumstances Surrounding the Child’s Death
The 21-month-old was initially admitted to Atlantis Hospital in Lagos for what was described as a worsening but initially mild illness.
While plans were underway to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States, Atlantis reportedly referred him to Euracare for pre-flight diagnostic procedures. These included an MRI, lumbar puncture, echocardiogram, insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter, and intravenous sedation using propofol.
The child reportedly died following the procedures.
Allegations of Negligence
His parents have alleged medical negligence and professional misconduct in connection with his death.
In a legal notice dated January 10, 2026, issued by the law firm led by Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), Adichie and her husband accused Euracare, its anaesthesiologist, and other attending medical personnel of breaching the duty of care owed to their son.
According to the notice, the child — born on March 25, 2024 — was referred to Euracare on January 6, 2026, for diagnostic and preparatory procedures ahead of an emergency medical evacuation to the United States, where a specialist team was said to be on standby.
The parents further alleged that the child developed sudden and severe complications while being transported to the cardiac catheterisation laboratory after the MRI procedure.