By Newsworth Media January 12, 2026
Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos is now at the center of a storm after acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie publicly accused the facility of “criminal negligence” that led to the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi, on January 7, 2026.
In a statement shared with family and friends, later leaked online, Adichie claimed her son was sedated with propofol for an MRI and central line insertion on January 6 but was left unmonitored afterward. She alleged the anesthesiologist administered an excessive dose, causing Nkanu to become unresponsive, and then “casually switched off his oxygen” before carrying him on his shoulder to the ICU instead of using a stretcher, a move she says violated basic pediatric emergency protocols.
“He was unwell but stable, then suddenly, our beautiful little boy was gone forever,” Adichie wrote. “My son would be alive today if not for an incident at Euracare Hospital.”
Her sister-in-law, Dr. Anthea Nwandu told Arise TV that Nkanu suffered a brain injury from lack of oxygen, leading to seizures and cardiac arrest shortly after arriving at the ICU.
Adichie’s legal team, Pinheiro LP led by Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), has served Euracare with a seven-day ultimatum to release certified copies of all medical records related to Nkanu’s care, including admission notes, drug charts, anesthesia logs, ICU reports and CCTV footage, warning that failure to comply will trigger legal action.
Euracare Hospital has denied wrongdoing. In statements issued made available to the media. The hospital said Nkanu arrived critically ill after being referred from two pediatric centres, and that care was provided “in line with established clinical protocols and internationally accepted medical standards.”
The hospital also said the child died less than 24 hours after arrival and insisted that some circulating reports contain inaccuracies.
The Lagos State Government has ordered an independent investigation led by HEFAMAA (Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency), which has already visited the facility. Authorities say any individual or institution found culpable will face full legal consequences.
Meanwhile, fashion entrepreneur Toyin Lawani has joined the chorus of critics, revealing she suffered catastrophic complications after spine surgery at Euracare, including loss of use of her legs, a collapsed lung, damaged vocal cords, and months of rehabilitation. She claims she spent nearly ₦100 million on treatment and vows to sue once recovered.
Public figures including President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former presidential candidate Peter Obi have expressed condolences to Adichie’s family, while Nigerian society continues to call for accountability and stronger regulation of private healthcare providers.
Euracare says it has launched an internal investigation and remains committed to transparency, but with legal notices flying and state probes underway, the pressure is mounting.
