The family of Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has accused a private hospital in Lagos of serious medical negligence following the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi, who died on Wednesday after a brief illness.
Relatives say the toddler was denied adequate oxygen, left unattended and given excessive sedation that allegedly triggered a heart attack. These claims have placed Euracare Hospital, where the child was treated, at the centre of a growing public and legal storm.
Speaking on Nigerian television, Adichie’s sister-in-law, Dr Anthea Nwandu, said hospital officials later admitted that Nkanu had been over-sedated. She also alleged that medical staff failed to follow standard procedures during his treatment and transfer, leading to oxygen deprivation and possible brain injury before his death.
Similar allegations appeared in a private message written by Adichie that was later leaked online. Her spokeswoman confirmed the message was meant only for close family and friends but said it detailed what the family believes were “devastating clinical failures” that now demand accountability.
Euracare Hospital has denied any wrongdoing. In a statement, the hospital said Nkanu arrived in a critical condition after being treated at two paediatric centres. It insists that care was provided in line with internationally accepted medical standards, including sedation, and that external medical teams recommended by the family were also involved. Despite these efforts, the child died less than 24 hours after admission.
The hospital said an internal investigation is under way and pledged full cooperation with regulators.
The Lagos State government has also opened an independent probe. Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, special adviser to the state governor on health, said authorities have zero tolerance for medical negligence and warned that any individuals or institutions found responsible would face legal action.
Nkanu was one of Adichie’s twin sons, born via surrogate in 2024. Tributes have poured in, including condolences from Nigeria’s president. The case has reignited debate about healthcare standards in the country, where staff shortages and heavy workloads continue to strain both public and private hospitals.
As investigations proceed, the family says its focus remains on uncovering the truth behind what happened to their child and ensuring accountability for any failures in his care.
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