Lagos orders probe into alleged Medical Negligence over Adichie’s Son’s death

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Lagos State Government has ordered an immediate investigation into allegations of medical negligence following the death of Nkanu, the son of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, at a private healthcare facility in Lagos earlier this month.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, said the state was deeply saddened by the incident and extended condolences to Adichie and her family, describing the loss of a child as “a profound tragedy.”

Ogunyemi said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to commence a “thorough, independent and transparent investigation” to determine both the immediate and remote causes of the death.

She stated that HEFAMAA had already visited the facility involved and begun a comprehensive review of all allegations, including compliance with clinical protocols, professional conduct and patient safety standards.

The special adviser added that the agency would work closely with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and other relevant bodies to ensure a credible and professional review, with findings to be made public at the conclusion of the process.

The government’s intervention follows a detailed public account by Adichie, in which she alleged that her 21-month-old son died after what she described as gross medical negligence during a procedure at the private hospital on January 6.

According to her account, the child had been taken to the facility for preliminary procedures, including an MRI scan and the insertion of a central line, ahead of a planned medical evacuation abroad.

Adichie alleged that the attending anaesthetist administered an excessive dose of sedative and failed to properly monitor the child, resulting in seizures, cardiac arrest and death hours later.

“The Lagos State Government places the highest value on human life and maintains zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct in any health facility operating within the state,” Ogunyemi said.

She warned that any individual or institution found culpable of negligence, professional misconduct or regulatory violations would face the full weight of the law, while urging the public to remain calm and avoid speculation as investigations continue.

Ogunyemi said the state remained committed to safeguarding patient safety and strengthening oversight of medical practice to prevent a recurrence of such tragic incidents, while again conveying the government’s condolences to the bereaved family.