The Lagos State Government has launched a full-scale inquiry into allegations of medical negligence in the death of Nkanu Nnamdi, the 21-month-old son of celebrated novelist, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
The toddler, one of a set of twins, was confirmed dead earlier this week after a short illness at a private specialist hospital in Lagos.
Adichie, in a statement made public on Saturday, accused the attending anaesthesiologist of “criminal negligence,” saying the doctor acted “carelessly and fatally casual with the precious life of a child.”
She narrated that what began as symptoms of a mild cold rapidly escalated into a severe infection.
In response, Euracare Hospital, where the child received treatment, said it had commenced an internal review to establish what transpired.
The hospital offered condolences to the family, describing the loss as “profound and unimaginable,” but insisted that some circulating accounts were inaccurate.
The facility maintained that it is a reputable medical centre with internationally trained professionals.
It explained that the boy had been referred to its care after treatment at two different paediatric hospitals and arrived in critical condition.
According to Euracare, its team acted immediately, following approved clinical guidelines and collaborating with other specialists involved in the case.
The child died less than 24 hours after admission, it added.
Reacting to the public outcry, the Lagos State Government confirmed it had been officially notified of the incident.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, the government expressed sympathy to the bereaved family, noting that losing a child is “a profound tragedy.”
“The Lagos State Government places the highest premium on human life and has zero tolerance for negligence or unprofessional conduct in health facilities operating within the state,” the statement said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu has directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to carry out a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
The government disclosed that HEFAMAA had visited the hospital and commenced a comprehensive review of medical documents, reports, and allegations linked to the case.
It added that the agency will work with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and other regulatory bodies to ensure a credible process.
The investigation will examine adherence to clinical protocol, professional conduct, patient safety procedures and the roles of all practitioners involved.
Findings, Lagos authorities said, will be made public upon completion “in the interest of transparency and accountability.”
Residents were assured that any individual or institution found guilty of negligence, misconduct or regulatory breaches will face sanctions as stipulated under state laws.