JUST IN: Medical And Dental Council Finds Prima Facie Medical Negligence In Chimamanda’s Son’s Death

BY MICHAEL AKINOLA

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has established a prima facie case of medical negligence and professional misconduct in the death of Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, the 21-month-old son of acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

The findings followed an investigation initiated after a formal complaint was lodged with the Council on January 16, 2026.

Medical practitioners from Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital and Atlantis Paediatric Hospital responded by filing affidavits and presenting oral testimony before the MDCN Investigative Panel.

At the conclusion of its 25th session held in Abuja on February 17–18, 2026, the Panel determined that a prima facie case of medical negligence had been established against three doctors: Dr. Tosin Majekodunmi, Medical Director of Euracare; Dr. Titus Ogundare, Anaesthesiologist at Euracare; and Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh, Chief Medical Director of Atlantis Paediatric Hospital.

The Council consequently issued interim suspension orders against the three practitioners pending the outcome of formal disciplinary proceedings.

The Panel also found that a case of professional misconduct had been established against ten other practitioners from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital.

Those cases have been referred to the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Disciplinary Tribunal for formal hearing and determination in line with the Council’s statutory mandate.

Recall that prior to the regulatory intervention, the child’s parents had, through their solicitor, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, requested that Euracare provide a detailed medical report and full disclosure of the circumstances surrounding their son’s treatment and death.

The request formed part of efforts to obtain clarity on the medical management administered before the matter was escalated to the regulatory authorities.

The MDCN stressed that its findings remain preliminary and do not constitute a final determination of liability.

The affected practitioners are entitled to a full hearing before the Disciplinary Tribunal, where evidence will be thoroughly examined and a final decision rendered.

Further proceedings before the Tribunal are expected to commence in due course, as the Council reiterated its commitment to due process and professional accountability within Nigeria’s healthcare system.