Award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has accused Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Victoria Island, Lagos, of negligence and obstructing investigations into the death of her 21-month-old twin son, Nkanu.
In a poignant Instagram post on Saturday, Adichie shared a letter to the hospital’s board chairman, alleging that the facility initially admitted errors but later hindered inquiries. Nkanu died on January 7, 2026, following a brief illness. Adichie claimed the hospital’s Medical Director, Dr Tosin Majekodunmi, initially accepted responsibility, stating that an anesthesiologist administered “too much propofol” and promised to dismiss the doctor. She alleged that promised medical records were incomplete and the stated cause of death on the certificate (bacterial and fungal meningitis) was inaccurate. Adichie criticised the hospital’s legal team for referring to the death as a “dispute” and for seeking to stop a coroner’s inquest.
The case has sparked public outrage and concern over medical accountability and patient safety in private healthcare facilities. Many Nigerians have taken to social media to share similar experiences, calling for stricter regulation and transparency in the sector. The incident highlights broader systemic issues, including potential gaps in oversight, record-keeping, and response to medical errors, which erode trust in healthcare providers.
Adichie’s high-profile intervention has amplified demands for a thorough independent investigation and justice for the family. Health experts emphasise the need for mandatory reporting of adverse events, better training for specialists, and stronger patient rights frameworks. The hospital has yet to issue an official response, but the matter is likely to draw regulatory scrutiny from relevant authorities.
This tragedy serves as a wake-up call for improved standards in Nigeria’s healthcare system, especially in high-end facilities serving affluent clients. It also raises questions about the vulnerability of children and the emotional toll on families when things go wrong. Calls are growing for the government to strengthen coroner services and ensure swift resolution of such cases to prevent future occurrences and restore public confidence.
