In a devastating turn of events, acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has accused a Lagos hospital of negligence following the tragic death of her 21-month-old twin son, Nkanu Nnamdi. The heartbroken mother has taken legal action, seeking answers and accountability for the loss of her child.
Nkanu, one of Adichie’s twin boys born via surrogacy in 2024, passed away on January 6th, just a day before he was scheduled to be medically evacuated to the renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States. According to a leaked WhatsApp message, Adichie alleged that the resident anaesthesiologist at the Euracare hospital had administered an overdose of the sedative propofol, leading to Nkanu’s cardiac arrest and subsequent death.
In the message to family and friends, the acclaimed author expressed her anguish, writing, “It is like living your worst nightmare.” Adichie’s legal team has since served the Euracare hospital with a notice demanding CCTV footage, electronic monitoring data, and the toddler’s medical records within seven days, alleging lapses in care and a lack of basic resuscitation equipment.
The Euracare hospital, however, has refuted the claims of medical negligence, stating that their staff had “provided care in line with established clinical protocols and internationally accepted medical standards” for the “critically ill” child upon admission. The hospital is yet to respond to the legal notice.
The tragic death of Nkanu has sparked an outpouring of condolences from prominent figures, including the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu. The Lagos state government has also ordered an investigation into the matter, lamenting the “profound tragedy.”
Nigeria’s healthcare system has long been plagued by challenges, including a staggeringly low doctor-to-patient ratio and insufficient funding for the sector. Botched medical procedures and sparse emergency response services are all too common, leading many wealthy Nigerians to seek medical treatment abroad.
In the wake of this heartbreaking loss, Adichie’s call for accountability and reform has resonated with many, including former World Bank Vice-President and Nigerian presidential aspirant, Oby Ezekwesili, who has urged the country to undertake “deep reforms” to address the systemic issues plaguing the healthcare system.
As the investigation into Nkanu’s death unfolds, the nation mourns the loss of a young life and the anguish of a mother who has courageously spoken out, seeking justice and change for the sake of her son and all Nigerians.
