Chimamanda Adichie, Husband Serve Legal Notice On Euracare Hospital Over Son’s Death

Chimamanda Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, have taken legal action against Euracare Multi Specialist Hospital in Lagos following the death of their 21-month-old son, Nkanu Esege.

The legal notice, dated January 10 and issued through lawyers led by Professor Kemi Pinheiro, accuses the hospital and its medical staff of negligence in the care provided to the child.

The notice states that Nkanu was referred to Euracare from another medical facility for several diagnostic procedures, including a brain MRI, echocardiogram, lumbar puncture, and central line insertion, ahead of a planned medical evacuation to the United States.

The family claims the child was sedated with propofol and suffered complications while being moved within the hospital. They allege that there was a lack of continuous monitoring, inadequate oxygen delivery, poor airway management, and insufficient medical supervision during the transfer between hospital areas.

The notice demands that Euracare hand over all medical records related to Nkanu’s treatment within seven days. This includes consent forms, monitoring charts, procedural notes, ICU reports, and the identities of all medical personnel involved. The family also requested the preservation of all relevant evidence, including electronic records and CCTV footage, warning that non-compliance could lead to further legal and regulatory action.

Euracare Hospital, while expressing sympathy for the family, denied any negligence. The hospital stated that Nkanu arrived in critical condition and that care was provided according to accepted medical standards. It also assured full cooperation with any investigation by regulatory authorities.