The Lagos State Government has launched a formal investigation into allegations of medical negligence surrounding the death of 21‑month‑old Nkanu Nnamdi, the son of acclaimed Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, at a private hospital in Lagos.

Nkanu, one of Adichie’s twin sons, reportedly died after a brief but rapidly worsening illness. His death has sparked a national conversation about the quality of medical care in Nigeria’s private hospitals and the accountability of health professionals entrusted with critical cases.

In a detailed public statement, Adichie described her son’s death as the result of “criminal negligence,” singling out the anaesthesiologist involved in his care. She alleged that the specialist was “criminally negligent, fatally casual, and careless with the precious life of a child,” and suggested that timely, competent intervention might have altered the outcome.

According to Adichie’s account, Nkanu initially presented with what appeared to be a mild cold. The symptoms, however, escalated quickly, and the child’s condition deteriorated into a severe infection. As his health worsened, he was moved between medical facilities before being referred to Euracare Hospital, a private centre in Lagos known for specialist and complex care.

Euracare, in its own statement, confirmed that the child was brought to its facility in critical condition after receiving treatment at two other paediatric centres. The hospital said he was referred specifically for advanced diagnostic procedures that could not be carried out at the earlier facilities.

The hospital expressed sympathy to Adichie and her family, describing the loss as “profound and unimaginable.” It maintained, however, that some of the public narratives surrounding the incident contained inaccuracies. Euracare described itself as a reputable centre for complex medical care, staffed by internationally trained and experienced professionals, and insisted that its team acted in line with established clinical protocols and internationally accepted standards.

According to the hospital, its medical team provided immediate care upon the child’s arrival and worked collaboratively with external medical teams recommended by the family. Despite these efforts, Euracare said, the child died less than 24 hours after being admitted.

The conflicting accounts from the bereaved family and the hospital have intensified public scrutiny and prompted calls for an impartial inquiry. In response, the Lagos State Government said it had been formally notified of what it described as a “deeply distressing” report by Adichie regarding the circumstances of her son’s death following a medical incident at a private healthcare facility.

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, the government extended its condolences to Adichie and her family, acknowledging that the death of a child is a profound tragedy under any circumstances.

The statement stressed that Lagos State “places the highest value on human life” and maintains “zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct in any health facility operating within the state.” It added that the governor had directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, HEFAMAA, to commence an immediate, thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the incident.

HEFAMAA, the agency responsible for licensing and monitoring health facilities in Lagos, has already visited the hospital at the centre of the allegations. According to the government, the agency has begun a comprehensive review of all allegations and reports related to the case, including medical records, staff statements and procedural documentation.

The investigation, officials said, will not be limited to the hospital’s internal processes. HEFAMAA is expected to collaborate with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and other relevant regulatory bodies to ensure that the inquiry meets professional and legal standards. This inter‑agency approach is aimed at providing an independent assessment of the conduct of all medical personnel involved.

Authorities have urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid speculation while the investigation is ongoing. Nonetheless, the case has already reignited long‑standing concerns about gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly around paediatric emergency care, the regulation of private hospitals and the enforcement of professional standards.