Chimamanda Adichie Alleges Medical Negligence in Death of 21-Month-Old Son
Renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has spoken publicly about the tragic death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi, who passed away on January 7, 2026, following a brief illness.
In an emotional statement, Adichie alleged that her son’s death was caused by medical negligence during a procedure at a Lagos hospital, specifically Euracare Hospital, where he was referred for tests.
According to the author, Nkanu was initially admitted to Atlantis Hospital after what appeared to be a cold developed into a severe infection. She said her son was stable and had been scheduled to travel to the United States the following day for advanced treatment, with a medical team at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore already prepared to receive him.
Adichie explained that as part of preparations for the trip, doctors requested a lumbar puncture, MRI scan, and the insertion of a central line to administer intravenous medication. Atlantis Hospital subsequently referred the family to Euracare Hospital for the procedures.
She recounted that on January 6, Nkanu was taken to Euracare Hospital and sedated to prevent movement during the MRI and central line procedure. However, she alleged that the child was given an excessive dose of the sedative propofol by the anesthesiologist and was not properly monitored afterward.
According to her account, Nkanu later became unresponsive, was placed on a ventilator, developed seizures, and eventually suffered cardiac arrest while in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). She noted that these complications had never occurred prior to the procedure.
Adichie further alleged that her son was left unmonitored after sedation and that established medical protocols were not followed. She described the actions of the anesthesiologist as “criminally negligent,” accusing him of being careless with the life of a critically ill child.
“We brought in a child who was unwell but stable and scheduled to travel the next day. We came to conduct basic procedures. And suddenly my son is dead,” she stated.
As of the time of filing this report, Euracare Hospital and the medical personnel mentioned have not issued an official response to the allegations.
The incident has sparked widespread public concern and renewed calls for accountability and stricter oversight within Nigeria’s healthcare system.
