The Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel has suspended three doctors, including the Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, following its probe into the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege.
Those suspended are Dr. Tunde Majekodunmi of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, the hospital’s anesthesiologist, Dr. Titus Ogundare, and Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh, Chief Medical Officer at Atlantis Pediatric Hospital.
The decision comes after an investigation into allegations of medical negligence linked to the death of one of the twin sons of acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Ivara Esege.
Incident and Allegations
The child died on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief illness. In a public statement issued on January 10, Adichie alleged that negligence during medical procedures contributed to her son’s death.
According to her account, the toddler was taken to Euracare Hospital in Lagos for an MRI scan and insertion of a central line after what initially appeared to be a common cold reportedly developed into a severe infection.
She stated that her son was sedated with propofol for the procedure but was not adequately monitored afterward. The situation allegedly escalated, leading to unresponsiveness, seizures, and cardiac arrest.
“He would be alive today if not for an incident at Euracare Hospital on January 6th,” Adichie said in her statement.
Panel Findings and Sanctions
In response to the allegations, the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel was constituted to examine complaints against 21 doctors involved in the case.
At the conclusion of its 25th session held in Abuja on February 17 and 18, 2026, the panel announced that Majekodunmi, Ogundare, and Uwajeh would be suspended from medical practice in Nigeria pending the determination of their cases by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
The panel also found a prima facie case of professional misconduct against 10 other doctors: Dr. Adeseye Akinsete, Dr. Chidinma Ohagwu, Dr. Anthony Ajeh, Dr. Amarachi Bayo, Dr. Nkechi Peji, Dr. Olaoye Oludare, Dr. Agaja Oyinkansola, Dr. Patricia Akintan, Dr. Babatunde Bamgboye, and Dr. Raji Faidat.
Eight other practitioners were cleared of any wrongdoing.
The panel said its conclusions were based on a review of formal complaints, counter-affidavits submitted by the doctors, and sworn oral testimonies presented during the proceedings.
The case is expected to proceed before the disciplinary tribunal, which will determine the final outcome for those facing sanctions.
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