Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, have served a legal notice on Euracare Multi Specialist Hospital in Lagos following the death of their 21-month-old son, Nkanu Esege.
The legal notice, dated January 10, accuses the hospital and members of its medical team of negligence in the care provided to the child. It was issued through lawyers from a firm led by Professor Kemi Pinheiro.
According to the notice, Nkanu was referred to Euracare from another medical facility for a series of diagnostic procedures, including a brain MRI, echocardiogram, lumbar puncture and the insertion of a central line. These procedures were part of preparations for a planned medical evacuation to the United States.
The family alleges that the child was sedated with propofol and later developed complications while being moved within the hospital. They claim there was a failure to ensure continuous monitoring, adequate oxygen delivery, proper airway management and sufficient medical supervision during the transfer between clinical areas.
The notice demands that Euracare provide all medical records related to the child’s treatment within seven days. These include consent forms, monitoring charts, procedural notes, ICU reports and the identities of all medical personnel involved. The family has also asked the hospital to preserve all relevant evidence, including electronic records and CCTV footage, warning that failure to comply may lead to further legal and regulatory action.
Euracare Hospital has expressed sympathy with the family and denied allegations of negligence. In a statement, the hospital said the child arrived in a critical condition and that care was provided in line with accepted medical standards. It added that it would cooperate fully with any investigation by regulatory authorities.
Following public concern, the Lagos State Government ordered an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death. The Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency has been directed to review the hospital’s compliance with clinical protocols and patient safety standards. The outcome of the probe is expected to be made public.
Nkanu’s death was announced earlier this month after a brief illness. He was one of twin boys born to Adichie and her husband via surrogate in 2024. The family has asked for privacy as they continue to mourn their loss.
