Renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has released an emotional account detailing the circumstances surrounding the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi, following a medical incident in Lagos.
In a statement shared with family members and close friends, Adichie said her son died after what she described as a critical medical failure at Euracare Hospital, Lagos, on January 6, 2026.
According to her account, the family had travelled to Lagos for the Christmas holidays when Nkanu developed symptoms initially believed to be a mild cold. His condition later worsened and was diagnosed as a serious infection, leading to his admission at Atlantis Hospital.
Adichie disclosed that plans had already been finalized for her son to be medically evacuated to the United States on January 7. She said the evacuation was to be carried out with travelling doctors, while a specialist team at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore was prepared to receive him.
As part of the evacuation requirements, the Johns Hopkins team requested an MRI scan and a lumbar puncture. The Nigerian medical team also recommended the insertion of a central line to ensure the safe administration of intravenous medication during the flight.
Atlantis Hospital subsequently referred the family to Euracare Hospital for the procedures.
Adichie said that on the morning of January 6, they arrived at Euracare with Nkanu carried in his father’s arms. She was informed that her son would need to be sedated to prevent movement during the MRI scan and central line insertion.
While waiting outside the theatre, she noticed what she described as unusual activity, including medical staff rushing in and out, which immediately alarmed her.
“A short time later,” she stated, “I was told that Nkanu had been given too much propofol by the anesthesiologist, became unresponsive, and was resuscitated.”
She said her son, who had no history of seizures or cardiac issues, was placed on a ventilator, intubated, transferred to the intensive care unit, and later began having seizures before suffering cardiac arrest. He died several hours later.
Adichie alleged that her son was not adequately monitored after receiving what she described as an excessive dose of propofol, adding that medical staff could not determine when he became unresponsive.
She further claimed that after the central line procedure, the anesthesiologist switched off the child’s oxygen and physically carried him to the ICU, a decision she described as reckless and dangerous.
In the statement, Adichie accused the anesthesiologist of criminal negligence, describing his actions as “fatally casual and careless with the precious life of a child,” and alleged a failure to follow established medical protocols.
She expressed deep anguish that her family brought a child who was ill but stable and scheduled for advanced treatment abroad the following day, only to lose him during procedures she described as routine.
Calling the incident her “worst nightmare,” Adichie said she later learned of two previous cases allegedly involving the same anesthesiologist overdosing children, and questioned why he was still allowed to practise.
“This must never happen to another child,” she said.
As of the time of filing this report, Euracare Hospital and the medical personnel mentioned have not issued an official response.
Adichie Alleges Medical Negligence in Son’s Death at Lagos Hospital
