The Nigerian Society of Anaesthetists (NSA) has formally requested to be involved in the Lagos State Government’s investigation into allegations of medical negligence following the death of the son of celebrated author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
In a statement issued on Monday, the NSA’s National President, Prof. Alhassan Mohammed, welcomed the decision of the Lagos State Government to probe the incident and praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for mandating the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to lead the investigation.
According to Prof. Mohammed, preliminary concerns surrounding the case appear to relate to the role of a physician anaesthetist who was part of the medical team that carried out procedures ahead of an MRI scan. He stressed that for the investigation to be thorough and technically sound, a senior and highly experienced physician anaesthetist should be included on the investigative panel.
“The alleged medical negligence seems to centre on anaesthesia practice during the procedure. In view of this, the NSA strongly recommends that a senior physician anaesthetist be co-opted into the panel to ensure a comprehensive and professional review of the incident,” Mohammed said.
He described the death as deeply tragic but noted that it presents an opportunity for critical reflection on anaesthesia practice, not only in Lagos State but across Nigeria. He added that the NSA remains committed to its guiding principle of “Safety First” and will continue to promote best practices that prioritise patient safety.
The child, 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi, whom Adichie had with her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, reportedly died on January 7 after a brief illness. In a statement released by GLG Communications on behalf of the family, they expressed devastation over the loss and appealed for privacy during the period of mourning.
The matter gained national and international attention after Adichie published a widely circulated account on social media, accusing Euracare Multispecialist Hospital in Lagos of negligence. She stated that her son had initially shown symptoms believed to be a minor cold, which later escalated into a severe infection. According to her, the child was scheduled to be flown abroad for treatment.
Adichie alleged that upon arrival at the hospital, doctors said her son would need sedation to prevent movement during an MRI scan and central line procedure. She further claimed that he was administered an excessive dose of propofol and was not adequately monitored afterward. She said his condition rapidly worsened, leading to seizures, loss of consciousness, cardiac arrest, and ultimately his death.
In response to the allegations, Governor Sanwo-Olu, through his Special Adviser on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, ordered a full investigation to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the child’s death. The Lagos State Government assured the public that anyone found culpable of negligence, professional misconduct, or regulatory breaches would be sanctioned in line with the law.
As the investigation unfolds, the case has reignited debate around patient safety, medical accountability, and regulatory oversight in Nigeria’s healthcare system. Should professional bodies play a more active role in government-led medical investigations and will this probe lead to lasting reforms in clinical practice?
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