By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) Investigation Panel has suspended the Medical Director of Euracare and two doctors from medical practice over the death of the son of renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Adichie.
The suspension was contained in a statement signed by the panel’s secretary, Enejo Abdu, released during the panel’s 25th session in Abuja on February 17 and 18, following the conclusion of an investigation into the matter.
The panel said it had invoked its powers of suspension after establishing a prima facie case of medical negligence and professional misconduct against the affected doctors.
According to the statement, the suspended medical doctors include the Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Dr Tunde Majekodunmi; an anesthesiologist at the same hospital, Dr Titus Ogundare; and the Chief Medical Officer of Atlantis Paediatric Hospital, Dr Atinuke Uwajeh.
The statement noted that the three doctors are barred from practising medicine in Nigeria pending the determination of their cases by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
Abdu also disclosed that a prima facie case of professional misconduct was found against 10 other doctors of Atlantis Hospital.
The doctors listed include Adeseye Akinsete, Chidinma Ohagwu, Anthony Ajeh, Amarachi Bayo, Nkechi Peji, Olaoye Oludare, Agaja Oyinkansola, Patricia Akintan, Babatunde Bamgboye, and Raji Faidat.
Eight other doctors were cleared of wrongdoing after the panel reviewed the complaints against all 21 doctors, along with their written responses and sworn oral testimonies.
The panel, however, noted that its findings are preliminary and do not amount to a final verdict, as the affected doctors will face a full hearing before the tribunal, where a final decision will be made.
Recall that Nkanu Nnamdi, one of Adichie’s 21-month-old twins, died on January 7, 2026, after receiving care at Atlantis Hospital and undergoing medical procedures at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos.
Nkanu was initially admitted to Atlantis Hospital in Lagos for what was described as a worsening but initially mild illness.
While arrangements were being made to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States, Atlantis referred him to Euracare for pre-flight diagnostic procedures, including an MRI, lumbar puncture, and insertion of a central line.
However, the child passed away following the procedures, and his parents alleged medical negligence and professional misconduct in connection with his death.
The family subsequently served the hospital a legal notice on January 10, alleging that medical negligence and professional misconduct contributed to her son’s death.
In the notice issued by a law firm led by Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), Adichie and her husband accused Euracare, its anaesthesiologist, and other attending medical personnel of breaching their duty of care.
As part of their legal demands, the parents requested certified copies of all medical records relating to their son’s treatment within seven days, including admission notes, consent forms, anaesthetic charts, drug administration logs, ICU records, incident reports, and the identities of all medical staff involved.
The hospital was also instructed to preserve all relevant evidence, including CCTV footage, electronic monitoring data, pharmacy records, and internal communications.
The letter warned that any destruction or alteration of evidence could amount to obstruction of justice and attract legal consequences.
Meanwhile, the Coroner’s Court sitting at the Yaba Magistrate Court, Lagos, has adjourned proceedings until April 14 for the commencement of an inquiry into the death.
