Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has accused Euracare Hospital in Lagos of obstructing an inquest into her 21-month-old son's death. She alleges the hospital is delaying the process and has attempted to block the inquiry, which was initially set to begin in April.
The case highlights serious allegations of medical negligence and obstruction of justice in a high-profile case involving a globally recognized author, raising questions about healthcare standards and accountability in Nigeria.
Prominent Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has publicly accused Euracare Hospital in Lagos of obstructing an inquest into the death of her 21-month-old son, Nknau, who died in January. Adichie alleges the hospital has created delays and distractions, and has now requested the Federal High Court to block the inquiry, which was initially scheduled to commence in April.
Adichie stated that the hospital noted her son's death was from bacterial meningitis, a claim she disputes, stating there was no medical evidence for it. Her family has accused Euracare of negligence, alleging that medical staff denied Nkanu oxygen and administered too much sedation, leading to cardiac arrest. The hospital has expressed its sympathies but denied any wrongdoing, asserting that its care adhered to international standards.
According to submissions made by Adichie's legal team, Nkanu was initially admitted to Atlantis Hospital with a mild illness before being referred to Euracare for pre-flight diagnostic tests, as plans were underway to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States. A previous investigation panel by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria had identified a potential case of medical negligence against Euracare. Adichie described the hospital's provision of incomplete and inaccurate medical records as "strikingly unprofessional."