Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Accuses Lagos Hospital of Negligence in Son's Death

Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has accused a Lagos-based hospital, Euracare Hospital, of medical negligence leading to the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi. 

The child died on January 7, 2026, after being admitted for a brief illness. Adichie alleges that the hospital's anesthesiologist was "criminally negligent" and "fatally casual" with her son's life, administering an excessive dose of propofol and failing to monitor him properly.

According to Adichie, her son was taken to Euracare Hospital for an MRI scan and central line insertion, but the procedure went wrong, leading to complications, including loss of responsiveness, seizures, and cardiac arrest. She claims the hospital had prior knowledge of similar incidents involving the same anesthesiologist but allowed him to continue practicing.

Euracare Hospital has launched an investigation into the allegations, stating that they are committed to transparency, patient safety, and supporting the grieving family. The hospital described the loss as "profound and unimaginable" and emphasized their priority is compassion and responsible handling of the matter.

Adichie's son, Nkanu, was initially admitted to Atlantis Hospital with a serious infection and was scheduled to be flown to the US for further treatment. The Nigerian Society of Anaesthetists is monitoring the situation and will cooperate with any formal inquiry.