Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Alleges Euracare Hospital Obstructs Son's Death Inquest in Lagos

Prominent Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has publicly accused Euracare Hospital in Lagos of obstructing an inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu. The inquest, originally scheduled to commence in April, has been stalled by the hospital, Adichie alleges.

Adichie claims Euracare has "stalled and muddied and obfuscated" the process, and has subsequently sought an order from Nigeria's Federal High Court to block the inquiry. This follows a previous investigation panel set up by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, which identified a potential case of medical negligence against Euracare.

In a public statement, including a letter sent to the hospital director in April, Adichie expressed her profound grief and frustration. "If Euracare cares about the truth, then why create delays and distractions and now, finally, try to stop an inquest," she wrote, adding, "I long for, at least, peace to mourn, but Euracare Hospital has robbed me even of that."

Adichie and her family accuse Euracare of negligence, specifically alleging that medics denied Nkanu oxygen and administered excessive sedation, leading to a cardiac arrest. The hospital, while extending its "deepest sympathies," has denied any wrongdoing, stating its care adhered to international standards.

The author's letter also cited incomplete and inaccurate medical records provided by the hospital, describing them as "strikingly unprofessional." Nkanu had been transferred to Euracare for a pre-flight medical inspection, including an MRI and spinal tap, ahead of planned treatment in the United States. He died on 7 January following these diagnostic tests.