Lagos State Government has ordered an investigation into the death of Nkanu Nnamdi, the 21-month-old son of writer Chimamanda Adichie, following allegations of medical negligence at a Lagos hospital.
Nkanu, one of Adichie’s twin sons, died on Wednesday after an emergency during a medical procedure at Euracare Hospital in Lagos.
Adichie accused the hospital of negligence, alleging that her son’s death was caused by the actions of the attending anaesthesiologist.
She said the child initially showed symptoms of a cold before his condition worsened into an infection.
According to her, the anaesthesiologist in charge was “criminally negligent, fatally casual, and careless with the precious life of a child.”
In a statement issued on Saturday, Kemi Ogunyemi, special adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on health, said the state government had commenced an investigation into the incident.
“Lagos State Government extends its heartfelt condolences and assures the family of its concern and commitment to justice,” Ogunyemi said.
She stated that the governor had directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to begin a “thorough, independent, and transparent investigation” into the circumstances surrounding the death.
“The investigation will examine the allegations raised, including compliance with established clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved,” she said.
Ogunyemi added that HEFAMAA had already visited the hospital and begun reviewing reports related to the case.
She said the agency would also collaborate with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and other regulatory bodies.
“Findings of the investigation will be made public as soon as the process is concluded, in the interest of transparency and public accountability,” she said.
She further stated that any individual or institution found culpable would face sanctions in line with existing laws and regulations, while urging the public to remain calm and avoid speculation.
Euracare Hospital has also reacted to the incident, expressing sympathy to Chimamanda Adichie and her family over the loss of their son.
The hospital said some reports about the incident contained inaccuracies.
It added that it had commenced an internal investigation “in line with clinical governance standards and best practices” to review the circumstances surrounding the procedure and the events that followed.
