Lagos Govt Probes Alleged Negligence In Death Of Chimamanda Adichie’s Son

The Lagos State Government has launched an investigation into claims of medical negligence following the death of Nkanu Nnamdi, the 21-month-old son of award-winning writer Chimamanda Adichie, at a private hospital in Lagos.

KanyiDaily recalls that the child, one of Adichie’s twin boys, passed away last Thursday after a brief illness.

In a statement released on Saturday, Chimamanda Adichie alleged that her son’s death was caused by “criminal negligence.”

She accused the anaesthesiologist involved of being “criminally negligent, fatally casual, and careless with the precious life of a child.”

The writer stated that the toddler initially showed signs of a mild cold, which later worsened rapidly into a serious infection.

Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, described the loss of a child as deeply heartbreaking.

She said the governor had instructed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to begin an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into what happened, with the aim of determining both the direct and underlying causes of the death.

Ogunyemi explained that HEFAMAA has already visited the hospital involved and started examining all reports and allegations connected to the case.

“In line with this commitment, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency to immediately commence a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with a view to unraveling the immediate and remote causes of the death.

“In line with this directive, HEFAMAA has since commenced investigation and has visited the facility involved as part of the ongoing inquiry. The agency will conduct a comprehensive review of all allegations and reports relating to the incident,” she said.

She added that the agency would work closely with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and other relevant regulatory bodies to ensure the investigation is thorough and professional.

“The investigation will examine the allegations raised, including compliance with established clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved.

“Findings of the investigation will be made public as soon as the process is concluded, in the interest of transparency and public accountability,” the statement added.

The Lagos Government assured residents that anyone found guilty of negligence, misconduct, or regulatory breaches would face appropriate sanctions under the law.

KanyiDaily recalls that in 2025, Chimamanda Adichie revealed she kept the birth of her twin boys from the public to “protect” them.