MDCN Panel Suspends Majekodunmi, Two Other Doctors Over Death Of Chimamanda’s Son

The Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel (MDCN) has suspended three doctors, including the Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Dr. Tunde Majekodunmi, over the treatment of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege.

Nkanu was the son of writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege. He died on January 7, 2026, after receiving treatment at Atlantis Hospital and undergoing medical procedures at Euracare in Lagos.

The panel said it established a prima facie case of medical negligence in the child’s death to justify the suspension.

The order also affected Dr. Titus Ogundare, an anesthesiologist at Euracare, and Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh, Chief Medical Officer at Atlantis Pediatric Hospital.

They are barred from practising medicine in Nigeria until the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal decides the case.

In a statement signed by the panel’s secretary, Dr. Enejo Abdu, the panel also said it found preliminary evidence of professional misconduct against 10 other doctors.

They are Dr. Adeseye Akinsete, Dr. Chidinma Ohagwu, Dr. Anthony Ajeh, Dr. Amarachi Bayo, and Dr. Nkechi Peji. Others are Dr. Olaoye Oludare, Dr. Agaja Oyinkansola, Dr. Patricia Akintan, Dr. Babatunde Bamgboye, and Dr. Raji Faidat.

Eight additional doctors named in the complaint were cleared after the review.

The panel reached its decision after examining complaints against 21 doctors, studying their written responses, and hearing their sworn testimonies.

The investigation was concluded during its 25th session held at Excel Hotel & Resort in Abuja on Feb 17th & 18th, 2026.

According to details of the case, the 21-month-old child, Nkanu Adichie-Esege, was initially admitted to Atlantis Hospital in Lagos for what was described as a worsening but initially mild illness.

Plans were underway to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States for further care.

As part of preparations for the trip, Atlantis referred him to Euracare for tests and procedures, including an MRI scan, lumbar puncture, and the insertion of a central line.

The child later died after undergoing the procedures.

His parents have alleged medical negligence and professional misconduct in connection with his death.

In a legal notice dated January 10, 2026, their lawyers alleged that medical staff at Euracare and others involved did not properly manage the situation.

The notice stated that the toddler, born on March 25, 2024, was referred to Euracare on January 6 for diagnostic tests ahead of an emergency medical evacuation to the US, where specialists were reportedly waiting.

The listed procedures included an echocardiogram, brain MRI, insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter, a lumbar puncture, and intravenous sedation using propofol.

Chimamanda and her husband claimed that their son developed sudden and serious complications while being moved to the cardiac catheterisation laboratory after the MRI.

Meanwhile, a coroner at the Yaba Magistrate Court in Lagos has fixed April 14, 2026, to begin proceedings into the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi.