Chimamanda Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, have formally accused Euracare Multi Specialist Hospital in Lagos of negligence following the death of their 21-month-old son, Nkanu Esege.

The couple’s legal notice, dated January 10 and issued through lawyers led by Professor Kemi Pinheiro, alleges that the hospital and its medical team failed to provide proper care for the child.

According to the notice, Nkanu had been referred to Euracare from another medical facility for a series of diagnostic procedures, including a brain MRI, echocardiogram, lumbar puncture, and central line insertion, in preparation for a planned medical evacuation to the United States.

The family claims the child was sedated with propofol and experienced complications while being moved within the hospital. They allege that continuous monitoring, adequate oxygen supply, proper airway management, and sufficient medical supervision were not maintained during the transfer.

The notice demands that Euracare provide all medical records related to Nkanu’s treatment within seven days, including consent forms, monitoring charts, procedural notes, ICU reports, and the identities of all staff involved. The family also requested that the hospital preserve all relevant evidence, including electronic records and CCTV footage, warning that failure to comply could lead to further legal and regulatory action.

Euracare Hospital expressed condolences to the family but denied any wrongdoing, stating that Nkanu arrived in critical condition and received care according to accepted medical standards. The hospital added that it would fully cooperate with any investigation by regulatory authorities.