Award-winning Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has opened up about the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi, alleging medical negligence at a Lagos hospital.
In an emotional statement released on Saturday, Adichie recounted how what began as a seemingly mild illness later escalated into a severe and life-threatening condition. According to her, her son initially showed symptoms believed to be an ordinary cold, but it later developed into what she described as “a very serious infection.”
Adichie explained that Nkanu was taken to Euracare Hospital, Lagos, for an MRI scan and the insertion of a central line as part of his medical care. During the procedure, the toddler was sedated with propofol, a powerful anesthetic drug.
However, she alleged that after the sedative was administered, her son was not adequately monitored, leading to devastating complications. She stated that Nkanu became unresponsive, suffered seizures, and eventually went into cardiac arrest.
The celebrated writer maintained that the tragedy was preventable, asserting that her son’s life could have been saved.
“My son would be alive today if not for an incident at Euracare Hospital on January 6th,” she said, describing the experience as one marked by profound pain and unanswered questions.
The revelation has sparked renewed public attention on patient safety, medical accountability, and standards of care in private hospitals across Nigeria, with many Nigerians calling for a thorough investigation into the incident.
As the family continues to mourn the devastating loss, Adichie’s account has resonated widely, drawing sympathy from across the country and beyond, while also raising critical concerns about medical negligence and child healthcare practices.
