Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege, have served a legal notice on Euracare Multi‑Specialist Hospital in Lagos following the tragic death of their 21‑month‑old son, Nkanu Nnamdi Adichie‑Esege.

The notice, dated January 10, 2026 and signed by senior counsel Professor Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, accuses the hospital, its anaesthesiologist, and attending medical staff of medical negligence and breach of duty of care. The couple allege that their son died in the early hours of January 7 after a series of procedures, including an echocardiogram, brain MRI, lumbar puncture and central line insertion, which were part of preparations for a planned medical evacuation to the United States.

According to the legal notice, the child reportedly developed severe complications while under sedation, with claims that he was transferred between clinical areas without proper monitoring, supplemental oxygen, or adequate medical personnel. The notice also raises concerns about propofol dosing, inadequate airway protection, and delays in recognizing and managing respiratory or cardiovascular distress.

The couple has formally demanded certified copies of all medical records related to their son’s care within seven days and has instructed the hospital to preserve all relevant physical and electronic evidence, including CCTV footage, monitoring data, pharmacy records, and internal communications. The notice warned that any destruction or alteration of evidence could be treated as obstruction of justice.

Euracare Hospital has not yet issued a public response to the legal notice, although it previously denied allegations of negligence and said the child was critically ill upon arrival and that treatment followed established medical standards.

The case has drawn national attention and prompted an official investigation ordered by the Lagos State Government into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.