Renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has publicly accused a Lagos hospital of severe medical negligence, which she says directly led to the tragic death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu. In a heart-wrenching personal statement shared with family and close friends, the celebrated writer detailed the catastrophic sequence of events at Euracare Hospital in Victoria Island, Lagos.
A Fatal Referral for Routine Procedures
The family's ordeal began during their Christmas visit to Lagos. Nkanu fell ill with what seemed like a cold, but his condition worsened into a serious infection, requiring admission at Atlantis Hospital. He was scheduled to travel to the United States on January 7, 2026, accompanied by medical escorts, to receive specialized care at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.
In preparation for the flight, doctors needed to perform a lumbar puncture test, an MRI, and insert a central line for intravenous medication. Atlantis Hospital referred the family to Euracare Hospital, reputed to be the best facility for such procedures. On the morning of January 6, 2026, Nkanu, carried in his father's arms, was transferred to Euracare.
Catastrophe in the Theater
The procedures required sedation to keep the toddler still. Chimamanda Adichie waited anxiously outside the theater. Her fears were realized when she saw staff, including a doctor identified as Dr. M, rushing into the room. Shortly after, Dr. M emerged to deliver devastating news.
The anesthesiologist had administered an excessive dose of the sedative propofol, causing Nkanu to become unresponsive. Although he was resuscitated, the child's condition rapidly deteriorated. He was placed on a ventilator, intubated, and moved to the Intensive Care Unit. He then suffered seizures and cardiac arrest—conditions he had never experienced before. Within hours, Nkanu was gone.
A Pattern of 'Criminally Negligent' Actions
In her statement, Adichie outlined what she describes as "criminally negligent" behavior by the anesthesiologist. She revealed that Nkanu was not monitored after receiving the overdose. The doctor casually carried the sedated child on his shoulder to the theater, so no one knew precisely when he stopped breathing.
"How can you sedate a sick child and neglect to monitor him?" Adichie questioned. She further alleged that after the central line procedure, the same anesthesiologist switched off Nkanu's oxygen and again carried him on his shoulder to the ICU.
"He was fatally casual and careless with the precious life of a child. No proper protocol was followed," the grieving mother stated. The family later learned of two previous incidents where the same anesthesiologist allegedly overdosed children, raising serious questions about why he was still allowed to practice at Euracare.
A Mother's Unimaginable Grief and a Call for Change
Adichie expressed the profound, everlasting impact of the loss. "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, our beautiful little boy was gone forever. It is like living your worst nightmare. I will never survive the loss of my child," she wrote.
Her statement concludes with a powerful plea for accountability and systemic reform to protect other families. "This must never happen to another child," she insisted, demanding answers and justice for Nkanu. The incident has cast a harsh spotlight on standards of care and oversight in private Nigerian healthcare facilities.
