Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital has defended two of its clinical staff members who were suspended following an investigation into the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, one of the twin sons of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the hospital said it had “confidence in the professionalism and integrity” of its doctors affected by the interim suspension ordered by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

The suspended doctors include Euracare’s Medical Director, Tunde Majekodunmi, and anaesthesiologist Titus Ogundare. Also suspended is Atinuke Uwajeg, the Chief Medical Officer of Atlantis Pediatric Hospital.

Nkanu Adichie-Esege died on January 7, 2026, after complications arising during a series of preparatory medical procedures.

Following the child’s death, Adichie served the hospitals involved a legal notice, alleging that medical negligence and professional misconduct contributed to the incident.

A panel set up by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, known as the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel, investigated the complaints and subsequently established a prima facie case of medical negligence against Euracare and Atlantis Hospital in the management of the toddler.

Reacting to the interim suspension orders, Euracare said its management was concerned about how the investigation was conducted and defended the professional standing of its staff.

“Our attention has been drawn to widespread media reports concerning the interim suspension orders and other findings issued by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel against thirteen doctors, two of whom are our clinical staff members, in connection with the ongoing proceedings relating to the death of Master Nkanu Nnamdi Esege,” the hospital said.

It added, “We wish to place on record our confidence in the professionalism and integrity of our clinical team. Dr Tosin Majekodunmi and Dr Titus Ogundare are experienced professionals whose records of service to patients in Nigeria span many years.”

According to the hospital, “both doctors have, in their respective careers, contributed meaningfully to the delivery of quality healthcare to Nigerian patients at a standard comparable to what is obtainable in the world’s leading medical facilities.”

While maintaining support for its doctors, Euracare also raised concerns about the procedures adopted during the investigation.

“We are compelled to draw attention to a number of serious concerns that have arisen in the course of these proceedings. It is our position that certain established processes and protocols have not been followed in the manner required,” the statement said.

The hospital further alleged breaches of confidentiality during the handling of the matter, noting that “matters covered by patient and institutional confidentiality appear to have been disclosed outside the appropriate channels,” describing the development as “a serious breach that cannot go unaddressed.”

Euracare said it would pursue its concerns through “appropriate legal and regulatory channels” and insisted that all parties were entitled to “a process that is conducted with rigour, impartiality, and respect for the rules that govern it.”

The hospital also expressed sympathy with the bereaved family, saying, “We continue to empathise with the family of Master Nkanu Nnamdi Esege. The loss of a child is a grief without measure.”

The investigation panel, in its findings, suspended three doctors and identified prima facie cases of professional misconduct against ten others, while eight were cleared. All 21 doctors were reviewed through written complaints, counter-affidavits and oral depositions under oath.

The suspended doctors remain barred from practising medicine in Nigeria pending the outcome of proceedings before the disciplinary tribunal. (Vanguard)

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