The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria has suspended the medical director of Euracare and two other senior doctors following the death of Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Nkanu, one of Adichie’s twins, died on January 7, 2026, after complications arising from a series of preparatory medical procedures. In the aftermath of his death, Adichie served Euracare a legal notice, alleging that medical negligence and professional misconduct contributed to the tragic outcome. A panel was subsequently constituted to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case.
After reviewing written submissions and sworn oral testimonies, the panel established a prima facie case of medical negligence against Euracare and Atlantis Hospital in their management of Nkanu’s care.
As a result, Tunde Majekodunmi, medical director of Euracare; Titus Ogundare, the anaesthesiologist involved in the procedures; and Atinuke Uwajeg, chief medical officer of Atlantis Hospital, have been suspended from medical practice in Nigeria pending the determination of their cases by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
The three doctors are barred from practising medicine until the tribunal concludes its proceedings and delivers a final ruling.
Enejo Abdu, secretary of the investigative panel, disclosed that beyond the three suspensions, sufficient evidence of professional misconduct was found against 10 other doctors affiliated with Atlantis Hospital. Those listed include Adeseye Akinsete, Chidinma Ohagwu, Anthony Ajeh, Amarachi Bayo, Nkechi Peji, Olaoye Oludare, Agaja Oyinkansola, Patricia Akintan, Babatunde Bamgboye and Raji Faidat.
However, eight other doctors were cleared of wrongdoing after the panel examined complaints against all 21 doctors involved in the case, along with their formal responses and testimonies.
The panel emphasised that its findings remain preliminary and do not constitute a final verdict. The affected practitioners will face a full hearing before the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal, which will determine culpability and impose any further sanctions where necessary.
The investigation was concluded during the panel’s 25th session held in Abuja on February 17 and 18.
Separately, a coroner’s inquest into Nkanu Adichie-Esege’s death is scheduled to commence on April 14, marking another critical phase in the legal and professional scrutiny surrounding the case.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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