Lagos probes 'medical negligence' claims after death of author Chimamanda’s son
The state government says the investigation will examine compliance with established clinical protocols.
The Lagos State Government has ordered an investigation into allegations of medical negligence following the death of Nkanu Nnamdi, the 21-month-old son of acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, at a private hospital in Lagos.
An official family statement said that 21-month-old boy Nkanu Nnamdi, who the novelist had with her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, died on Wednesday, January 7, after a brief illness.
Nnamdi, one of Adichie’s twin sons, reportedly died after a brief illness. The state government said it had been formally notified of Adichie’s account of the incident, describing the circumstances as deeply distressing.
“The death of a child is a profound tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this extremely difficult time,” the government said in a statement.
‘Transparent investigation’
According to the statement, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to immediately commence an independent and transparent investigation into the incident to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the child’s death.
“The investigation will examine compliance with established clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved,” the statement said, adding that the findings would be made public once the process is concluded in the interest of transparency and public accountability.
Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu is among those to have expressed their condolences, saying he "mourns this sad loss with them".
“As a parent myself who has suffered the loss of a loved one, no grief is as devastating as losing a child. I empathise with the family at this difficult time, and I mourn this sad loss with them,” he said in a statement on X.
Lagos says HEFAMAA has already visited the hospital involved and begun a comprehensive review of the allegations and medical reports linked to the case. The probe will also involve collaboration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and other relevant regulatory bodies.