The Lagos State Government has launched an official probe into the circumstances surrounding the death of Nkanu Nnamdi, the 21-month-old son of popular writer Chimamanda Adichie, following allegations of medical negligence.
Nkanu, one of Adichie’s twin boys, died on Wednesday after an emergency occurred during a medical procedure at Euracare Hospital in Lagos.
The author later accused the facility of wrongdoing, insisting that her son’s death was caused by “criminal negligence” on the part of the attending anaesthesiologist.
READ ALSO: “Criminally negligent”: Chimamanda accuses Lagos hospital over son’s death
Adichie said the toddler was initially treated for what appeared to be a simple cold, but his condition quickly worsened into a severe infection. She further described the anaesthesiologist as “criminally negligent, fatally casual, and careless with the precious life of a child”.
Responding to the allegations, Kemi Ogunyemi, special adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on health, said in a statement on Saturday that the state government had already begun investigating the incident.
“Lagos state government extends its heartfelt condolences and assures the family of its concern and commitment to justice,” she said.
Ogunyemi stressed that the state operates with “zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct” in any health facility within Lagos.
She revealed that Governor Sanwo-Olu had instructed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to commence a “thorough, independent, and transparent investigation” to establish both the immediate and underlying causes of the child’s death.
According to her, HEFAMAA officials have visited the hospital and are reviewing all complaints, reports and evidence related to the case. The agency will also work with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and other relevant bodies to ensure the process meets professional standards.
“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,” Ogunyemi said.
She added that “findings of the investigation will be made public as soon as the process is concluded, in the interest of transparency and public accountability”.
“The Lagos State Government assures the public that any individual or institution found culpable of negligence, professional misconduct, or regulatory violations will face the full wrath of the law, in accordance with existing legal and regulatory frameworks.”
