The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has suspended three senior medical practitioners following an investigation into the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege.
Nkanu died 7 January, following a referral from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital to Euracare Multi-specialist Hospital for pre-travel diagnostic and preparatory procedures ahead of a planned emergency medical evacuation to a specialist facility abroad.
The preparatory procedures included an MRI scan, lumbar puncture, echocardiogram, and insertion of a central line. According to the family, Nkanu was sedated with Propofol and allegedly, was not properly monitored. This led to complications including seizures and cardiac arrest and finally his death.
A formal complaint was lodged with the MDCN on 16 January leading to an investigation by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel (MDPIP). The 25th session held 17 and 18 February established a prima facie of medical negligence and professional misconduct against three practitioners involved in the case.
The medical council has issued interim suspension orders on Dr Tunde Majekodunmi (Medical Director, Euracare Multi-specialist Hospital), Dr. Titus Ogundare (Anatheistologist, Euracare Multi-specialist Hospital), Dr Atinuke Uwajeh (Chief Medical Officer, Atlantis Paediatric Hospital) banning them from practising in Nigeria until the final disciplinary proceedings.
The council also found a prima facie evidence of professional misconduct against ten other doctors at Atlantis Paediatric Hospital while eight others were cleared of wrongdoings after review of complaints, counter- affidavits and oral testimonies.
A coroner’s inquest into Nkanu’s death has been scheduled to begin on 14 April 2026 at a Lagos Magistrates’ Court, the inquest is expected to unravel the medical and forensic circumstances of the child’s death.
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