The Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel (MDPIP) has suspended the Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Dr. Tunde Majekodunmi, and two other physicians following an investigation into the medical negligence that contributed to the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege in January 2026.
The child, one of the twin sons of author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Ivara Esege, died on January 7, 2026, after a brief illness. His mother publicly alleged medical negligence, stating he was admitted to Euracare Hospital in Lagos for an MRI scan and central line insertion following a severe infection. During the procedure on January 6, Nkanu was sedated with propofol but reportedly not properly monitored afterwards, leading to complications including seizures and cardiac arrest.
The MDPIP was convened to review the case. After a thorough investigation that concluded on February 17-18, 2026, in Abuja, the panel found sufficient evidence to suspend Dr. Majekodunmi, anesthesiologist Dr. Titus Ogundare, and Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh, Chief Medical Officer at Atlantis Pediatric Hospital. All three are barred from practicing medicine in Nigeria pending a final determination by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal (MDPDT).
Furthermore, the panel established a prima facie case of professional misconduct against ten additional doctors: Drs. Adeseye Akinsete, Chidinma Ohagwu, Anthony Ajeh, Amarachi Bayo, Nkechi Peji, Olaoye Oludare, Agaja Oyinkansola, Patricia Akintan, Babatunde Bamgboye, and Raji Faidat. Eight other doctors implicated in the initial complaint were exonerated.
The panel’s decisions were reached after examining all 21 complaints, reviewing doctors’ counter-affidavits, and hearing their oral testimonies under oath. The suspensions represent a significant interim regulatory action in a case that has drawn national attention to standards of care in Nigerian hospitals. The matter now proceeds to the MDPDT for a full disciplinary hearing, where the implicated practitioners will have the opportunity to formally defend themselves against the allegations of professional misconduct.
