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The Lagos State Government has ordered a probe into allegations of medical negligence surrounding the death of Nkanu Nnamdi, the 21-month-old son of celebrated author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, at a private hospital in the state.
The toddler, one of Adichie’s twin sons, reportedly died after a brief illness.
The Lagos State Government said it had been formally notified of Adichie’s account of the incident, which it described as deeply distressing.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, the government expressed condolences to the family, noting that the death of a child is a profound tragedy.
The state government reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on medical negligence and unprofessional conduct in any health facility operating within Lagos.
It disclosed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to immediately commence a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
According to the statement, HEFAMAA has already visited the hospital involved and begun a comprehensive review of all allegations and reports linked to the case.
The investigation will also involve collaboration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and other relevant regulatory bodies.
The government said the inquiry would examine compliance with clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the roles of all parties involved.
It noted that the findings would be made public at the conclusion of the process in the interest of transparency and accountability.
The state further assured residents that any individual or institution found culpable of negligence, professional misconduct, or regulatory violations would face appropriate sanctions under existing laws, while urging the public to avoid speculation as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, in a statement issued on Saturday, the author alleged that her son’s death resulted from what she described as criminal negligence, accusing the anaesthesiologist involved of administering excessive medication and failing to follow proper monitoring protocols.
According to Adichie, her son initially showed signs of a mild cold, which later developed into a severe infection before his condition deteriorated rapidly during a medical procedure.
Reacting to the claims, Euracare Hospital, where the child was reportedly treated, announced it had begun an internal investigation into the incident.
The hospital expressed sympathy to Adichie and her family, describing the loss as devastating, but maintained that some reports about the incident contained inaccuracies.
Euracare stated that the child had been critically ill and was referred to its facility for specific diagnostic procedures after receiving care at two other paediatric centres.
It said its medical team provided care in line with established clinical protocols and internationally accepted standards, working alongside external medical teams recommended by the family.
The hospital, however, confirmed that the child died less than 24 hours after arriving at its facility.
