Medical Experts Urge Calm Over Adichie and Euracare Negligence Dispute

The tragic loss of Nkanu, the 21-month-old son of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has ignited a fierce national debate regarding medical accountability in Nigeria. Following the child’s death on January 7, 2026, at Euracare Hospital in Lagos, Adichie’s public allegations of “criminal negligence” have sparked widespread outrage. However, medical leaders are now calling for restraint, warning that a “media trial” could undermine the very justice and systemic reform the public is demanding.

Prof. Francis Faduyile, a former President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has stepped forward to counsel against the current wave of public sentiment. Speaking on the Morning Brief, Faduyile emphasized that while the grief of the bereaved parents is profound and understandable, the medical profession possesses established, statutory mechanisms for investigating such tragedies. He argued that bypassing these professional channels in favor of social media commentary risks damaging the integrity of the healthcare system before a single official finding is made.

The core of the issue, according to Faduyile, is the persistent delay in properly constituting the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). The MDCN is the only body with the legal authority to investigate professional misconduct and strip erring practitioners of their licenses. Faduyile criticized the federal government for its year-long hesitation in setting up the council, noting that the absence of a functional regulatory board leaves a vacuum of accountability that often pushes aggrieved families toward the court of public opinion.

The allegations against Euracare are harrowing. In a legal notice served on January 10 by the law firm of Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), Adichie and her husband detailed a series of alleged failures. They claim that during preparations for an emergency medical evacuation to the United States, their son was sedated with the drug propofol but was not adequately monitored. The notice cites a lack of supplemental oxygen and a shortage of qualified medical personnel during a critical intra-hospital transfer as direct causes of his deterioration and subsequent death.

For medical professionals, these specific claims—ranging from improper dosing to inadequate monitoring—are matters that require expert forensic review rather than emotional debate. Prof. Faduyile noted that for public confidence to be restored, the MDCN must be empowered to conduct its torturous but necessary investigations. He stressed that while the media plays a vital role in highlighting systemic failures, it cannot replace the rigors of a professional tribunal that operates on evidence and clinical ethics.

In response to the tragedy and the ensuing public pressure, the Lagos State Government has intervened. Mrs. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, announced that the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has launched an investigation. The agency has already visited the hospital to review its compliance with patient safety standards and clinical protocols. The government has promised that the findings of this comprehensive review will be made public once concluded.

Legal experts have also weighed in on the risks of high-profile “media trials.” While a story about medical negligence is undoubtedly in the public interest, there is a fine line between seeking accountability and committing defamation. In the Nigerian legal system, the burden of proof in negligence cases is high, requiring the claimant to prove a duty of care, a specific breach of that duty, and a direct causal link to the harm suffered. Experts warn that public pronouncements of “guilt” before a trial can complicate these legal proceedings and potentially shield the accused if fair hearing rights are compromised.

The tragedy has highlighted the precarious state of the Nigerian medical landscape, where even high-end private facilities like Euracare are not immune to allegations of fatal errors. For many, Adichie’s voice represents a rare opportunity to force a long-overdue conversation on patient rights and the 2014 National Health Act. Yet, as Faduyile suggests, the ultimate victory for the Nigerian people would be a system where the MDCN is so functional and transparent that families do not feel the need to resort to the media to be heard.

As the HEFAMAA investigation proceeds and the legal team for the Adichie family prepares their case, the medical community remains on high alert. The outcome of this dispute will likely set a major precedent for how medical errors are handled in Nigeria. Whether it leads to the urgent re-constitution of the MDCN or a shift in how hospitals manage high-risk pediatric transfers, the death of little Nkanu has ensured that the status quo is no longer acceptable.