The Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel has suspended three medical professionals over the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege.

The panel invoked its interim suspension order against the Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Dr. Tunde Majekodunmi, the hospital’s anaesthesiologist, Dr. Titus Ogundare, and the Chief Medical Officer of Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh.

The trio has been barred from medical practice in Nigeria pending the outcome of proceedings before the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.

In a statement signed by the panel’s secretary, Dr. Enejo Abdu, the body said it had established a prima facie case of medical negligence and professional misconduct in the management of the child, who died on January 7, 2026, after receiving treatment in Lagos.

The panel also found a prima facie case of professional misconduct against 10 other doctors, while eight were cleared after investigations. The decisions followed a review of petitions, counter-affidavits and sworn oral testimonies.

The investigation was concluded during the panel’s 25th session held in Abuja on February 17 and 18, 2026.

According to findings, Nkanu was initially admitted to Atlantis Hospital in Lagos for what was described as a mild but worsening illness. Plans were later made to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States for specialist care.

Before the planned evacuation, Atlantis referred the child to Euracare for pre-flight procedures, including a brain MRI, lumbar puncture and insertion of a central line. He reportedly died shortly after undergoing the procedures.

Following his death, the parents alleged medical negligence and professional misconduct by the attending doctors and hospitals.

In a legal notice dated January 10, 2026, issued by the law firm led by Kemi Pinheiro, the couple accused Euracare and its medical personnel of breaching their duty of care.

The notice stated that Nkanu, born on March 25, 2024, was referred to Euracare on January 6, 2026, for diagnostic and preparatory procedures ahead of an emergency medical evacuation. These reportedly included an echocardiogram, brain MRI, insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter, lumbar puncture and intravenous sedation with propofol.

The parents further alleged that the child developed severe complications while being moved to the cardiac catheterisation laboratory after the MRI.