..Panel Finds Prima Facie Case of Medical Negligence
…Euracare Defends Integrity of Clinical Team
By Yinka Giwa
The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has established a prima facie case of medical negligence and professional misconduct in the death of Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, the 21-month-old son of acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
The Council’s Investigative Panel reached the decision at the conclusion of its 25th session held in Abuja on February 17–18, 2026, following a formal complaint lodged on January 16, 2026. Nkanu, one of Adichie’s twins, reportedly died on January 7, 2026, after complications arising from a series of preparatory medical procedures.
After reviewing written responses, affidavits, and oral testimonies from 21 doctors, the panel determined that a prima facie case of medical negligence had been established against three practitioners: Dr. Tosin Majekodunmi, Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital; Dr. Titus Ogundare, an anaesthesiologist at Euracare; and Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh, Chief Medical Director of Atlantis Paediatric Hospital. The MDCN subsequently issued interim suspension orders barring the trio from practising medicine in Nigeria pending the outcome of formal disciplinary proceedings before the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
In addition, the panel found sufficient evidence of professional misconduct against ten other practitioners from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital. Those referred to the Tribunal for a formal hearing are Adeseye Akinsete, Chidinma Ohagwu, Anthony Ajeh, Amarachi Bayo, Nkechi Peji, Olaoye Oludare, Agaja Oyinkansola, Patricia Akintan, Babatunde Bamgboye, and Raji Faidat. Eight other doctors were cleared of wrongdoing after the panel reviewed the allegations against them.
Enejo Abdu, Secretary of the Investigative Panel, stated that the findings are preliminary and do not amount to a final determination of liability. He stressed that the affected practitioners are entitled to a full hearing before the Tribunal, where evidence will be thoroughly examined and a final decision rendered. A coroner’s inquest into the case is scheduled to commence on 14 April.
Prior to the regulatory intervention, the child’s parents, through their solicitor, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), had requested that Euracare provide a detailed medical report and full disclosure of the circumstances surrounding their son’s treatment and death. The request formed part of efforts to obtain clarity on the medical management administered before the matter was escalated to regulatory authorities.
In a late statement titled “Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital: Press Statement on the MDCN Investigation Panel’s Interim Suspension Order,” the hospital defended what it described as the professionalism and integrity of its clinical team. It said Dr. Majekodunmi and Dr. Ogundare are experienced professionals with longstanding records of service and contributions to healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
Euracare stated that it had conducted a thorough internal review of the clinical events in question in line with its governance standards and best practices and had demonstrated a commitment to transparency since the matter began. However, it expressed concern that certain established processes and confidentiality protocols may not have been properly followed during the proceedings, alleging that patient and institutional information appeared to have been disclosed outside appropriate channels. The hospital said it would raise these concerns through appropriate legal and regulatory channels.
While reaffirming its commitment to fairness, impartiality, and due process, Euracare expressed empathy with the bereaved family, describing the loss of a child as immeasurable. Further proceedings before the Disciplinary Tribunal are expected in due course as the case continues to attract attention within Nigeria’s healthcare sector.