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 decision followed an investigation initiated after a formal complaint was lodged on January 16, 2026. Medical practitioners from Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital and Atlantis Paediatric Hospital responded to the allegations by filing affidavits and presenting oral testimony before the MDCN Investigative Panel.
At the conclusion of its 25th session held in Abuja on February 17–18, 2026, the panel determined that a prima facie case of medical negligence had been established against three doctors: Dr. Tosin Majekodunmi, Medical Director of Euracare; Dr. Titus Ogundare, an anaesthesiologist at Euracare; and Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh, Chief Medical Director of Atlantis Paediatric Hospital.
The Council subsequently issued interim suspension orders against the three practitioners pending the outcome of formal disciplinary proceedings.
In addition, the panel found that a case of professional misconduct had been established against 10 other practitioners from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital. Those cases have been referred to the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Disciplinary Tribunal for formal hearing and determination, in line with the Council’s statutory mandate.
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 clarify the medical management administered before the matter was escalated to regulatory authorities.
The MDCN stressed that its findings are preliminary and do not amount to a final determination of liability. According to the Council, the affected practitioners are entitled to a full hearing before the Disciplinary Tribunal, where evidence will be thoroughly examined and a final decision rendered.
Further proceedings before the Tribunal are expected to commence in due course, as the Council reiterated its commitment to due process and professional accountability within Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Euracare Responds
In a late-night statement titled “Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital: Press Statement on the MDCN Investigation Panel’s Interim Suspension Order,” Euracare defended the professionalism of its staff.
“We wish to place on record our confidence in the professionalism and integrity of our clinical team — Dr. Tosin Majekodunmi and Dr. Titus Ogundare — who are experienced professionals whose records of service to patients in Nigeria span many years,” the hospital stated.
The hospital added that both doctors “have, in their respective careers, contributed meaningfully to the delivery of quality healthcare to Nigerian patients at a standard comparable to what is obtainable in the world’s leading medical facilities.”
Euracare said it had conducted a thorough internal review of the clinical events in question in line with its governance standards and best practices, and reaffirmed its commitment to cooperating with regulatory and judicial authorities.
However, the hospital raised concerns about what it described as procedural lapses in the investigation and alleged breaches of patient and institutional confidentiality.
“It is our position that certain established processes and protocols have not been followed in the manner required,” the statement read, adding that disclosures of confidential matters outside appropriate channels constituted a “serious breach.”
The hospital said it would pursue its concerns through appropriate legal and regulatory channels, while reiterating empathy for the bereaved family.
“The loss of a child is a grief without measure, and we carry that awareness in everything we say and do in relation to this matter,” the statement added.
