MDCN Suspends Doctors Over Adichie’s Son Death

MDCN Suspends Doctors Over Adichie’s Son Death

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria has suspended three doctors over the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband Ivara Esege.

The action followed an inquiry by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel into claims of medical negligence.

The child died on January 7, 2026, after a short illness. His mother said he was first treated for what seemed like a common cold, which later became a severe infection, and was taken to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos for further care.

According to her account, he underwent an MRI scan and had a central line inserted.

He was sedated with propofol but was allegedly not closely monitored afterwards, leading to complications including seizures and cardiac arrest.

She said, “He would be alive today if not for an incident at Euracare Hospital on January 6th.”

After reviewing complaints, counter-affidavits and sworn statements, the panel suspended the hospital’s Medical Director, Dr Tunde Majekodunmi, anaesthesiologist Dr Titus Ogundare, and Dr Atinuke Uwajeh of Atlantis Pediatric Hospital.

They are barred from practising pending a decision by the disciplinary tribunal. Ten other doctors face a case of professional misconduct, while eight were cleared.

The findings were finalised during the panel’s 25th sitting in Abuja in February 2026.