The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has suspended the Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Dr. Tunde Majekodunmi, alongside two other doctors, after finding a prima facie case of medical negligence in the treatment of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege.
Nkanu, son of acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege, died on January 7, 2026, following medical care at Atlantis Hospital and subsequent procedures at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos.
Those suspended include Euracare’s anesthesiologist, Dr. Titus Ogundare, and the Chief Medical Officer of Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh. The trio is barred from medical practice in Nigeria pending the determination of their case by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
In a statement signed by the panel’s Secretary, Dr. Enejo Abdu on Tuesday, the council disclosed that it also established a prima facie case of professional misconduct against 10 other doctors.
They are 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 doctors were cleared after the panel reviewed complaints against 21 practitioners, considered their counter-affidavits, and heard oral depositions on oath.
The panel reached its decision at its 25th session held at Excel Hotel & Resort, Abuja, on February 17 and 18, 2026.
According to details of the case, the child was initially admitted at Atlantis Hospital in Lagos for what was described as a worsening but initially mild illness. While plans were underway to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States for specialist care, Atlantis referred him to Euracare for pre-flight diagnostic procedures.
The procedures reportedly included an echocardiogram, brain MRI, lumbar puncture, insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter, and intravenous sedation with propofol. The child was said to have developed sudden and severe complications while being transported to the cardiac catheterisation laboratory after the MRI, and later died.
In a legal notice dated January 10, 2026, issued by a law firm led by Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), the parents accused Euracare, its anesthesiologist, and other attending medical personnel of breaching the duty of care owed to their son.
They alleged medical negligence and professional misconduct in connection with the circumstances surrounding his death.
