ARISE News confirms author’s statement detailing events at Lagos hospital as family demands answers over alleged anesthesia errors and lack of monitoring
Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has released a deeply emotional statement alleging medical negligence in the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu, who passed away in Lagos on January 6 following a medical procedure. ARISE News confirmed that the statement was authored by Adichie and shared privately with close family and friends before its contents became public.
According to the account, the family was in Lagos for the Christmas holidays when Nkanu developed what initially appeared to be a mild illness but rapidly worsened into a serious infection, leading to his admission at Atlantis Hospital. Plans were already in place for the toddler to be flown to the United States the following day under the care of travelling doctors, with a medical team at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore reportedly prepared to receive him. As part of pre-travel requirements, doctors requested an MRI scan, a lumbar puncture, and the insertion of a central line to administer intravenous medication.
Adichie stated that Atlantis Hospital referred the family to Euracare Hospital in Lagos to carry out the procedures, citing its advanced facilities. On the morning of January 6, Nkanu was taken to Euracare, where he was to be sedated for the MRI and central line placement. While waiting outside the operating theatre, Adichie said she noticed unusual urgency among medical staff and sensed that something had gone wrong.
She recounted being informed that her son had allegedly been administered an excessive dose of the anesthetic propofol, rendering him unresponsive. Although she was told he was resuscitated, his condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to intubation, seizures, cardiac arrest, and eventual admission to intensive care. Hours later, Nkanu died.
In her statement, Adichie alleged that her son was not properly monitored after sedation and claimed that critical protocols were ignored. She further accused the anesthesiologist involved of gross negligence, asserting that oxygen was improperly managed and that her son was handled casually despite his fragile condition. Adichie also alleged that the same anesthesiologist had previously been linked to similar incidents involving children, raising questions about oversight and accountability at the hospital.
Describing the loss as her “worst nightmare,” the author said the family brought a sick but stable child in for routine procedures, only to lose him unexpectedly. She called for urgent investigation and reforms, stressing that no other family should experience a similar tragedy.
As of the time of reporting, Euracare Hospital has not publicly responded to the allegations. The case has sparked widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians calling for an independent probe into pediatric anesthesia practices and broader patient safety standards in private healthcare facilities across the country.
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