Medical negligence alleged in death of Chimamanda Adichie’s son

Fresh details have emerged surrounding the death of the 21-month-old son of acclaimed writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, who reportedly died following a brief illness while the family was in Lagos during the Christmas holidays.

The child, identified as Nkanu Nnamdi, was said to have fallen ill after developing an infection. Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that the parents had already arranged a full medical evacuation abroad, with a specialist medical team scheduled to transfer him to the United States for advanced treatment on January 7.

According to the sources, the child was taken to a private medical facility in Victoria Island, Lagos, on January 6, 2026, mainly to undergo medical tests requested by the overseas medical team ahead of the evacuation. He was reported to have arrived at the facility in a stable condition.

However, shortly before the planned evacuation, the child’s condition reportedly deteriorated suddenly. Individuals close to the family have since raised concerns over the medical care provided in the hours leading up to his death, alleging lapses and questioning whether standard clinical protocols were fully observed.

One source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, suggested that the outcome might have been avoidable, alleging a failure of care at the facility.

The family has not issued a public statement on the circumstances surrounding the death, apart from requesting privacy as they mourn their loss.