The Lagos State Government has ordered a full investigation into allegations of medical negligence following the death of Nkanu Nnamdi, the 21-month-old son of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, at a private hospital in Lagos.
The toddler, one of Adichie’s twin sons, reportedly died last Thursday after a brief illness.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, described the death of a child as a deeply tragic occurrence and confirmed that the state government had commenced an official probe into the incident.
According to Ogunyemi, Governor Sanwo-Olu has directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to immediately begin a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
“In line with this commitment, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency to immediately commence a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with a view to unraveling the immediate and remote causes of the death.
“In line with this directive, HEFAMAA has since commenced investigation and has visited the facility involved as part of the ongoing inquiry. The agency will conduct a comprehensive review of all allegations and reports relating to the incident,” she said.
Ogunyemi disclosed that the agency would also work closely with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and other relevant regulatory bodies to ensure the investigation meets professional and ethical standards.
“The investigation will examine the allegations raised, including compliance with established clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved.
“Findings of the investigation will be made public as soon as the process is concluded, in the interest of transparency and public accountability,” the statement added.
She further assured Lagos residents that any individual or institution found culpable of negligence, professional misconduct or regulatory violations would face appropriate sanctions in line with existing laws.
Meanwhile, Adichie, in a statement released on Saturday, alleged that her son’s death was the result of what she described as “criminal negligence.” The celebrated author accused the anaesthesiologist involved of being “criminally negligent, fatally casual, and careless with the precious life of a child.”
According to Adichie, her son initially developed symptoms resembling a mild cold, which later worsened rapidly into a severe infection.
The incident has continued to generate widespread public concern and renewed debate about patient safety standards and regulatory oversight in private healthcare facilities across Lagos State.
