Three doctors suspended over the death of the son of Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have challenged the investigation that led to their indictment, alleging they were denied a fair hearing and that ethical rules were wrongly applied.
The doctors spoke anonymously to journalists, citing fear of further victimisation. They accused the investigative panel of acting with a predetermined intention to sanction them and demanded that the decision be overturned.
The suspensions were announced by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria through its investigation panel. The affected doctors are Dr Tunde Majekodunmi, Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital; Dr Titus Ogundare, an anaesthesiologist at the hospital; and Dr Atinuke Uwajeh, Chief Medical Officer at Atlantis Pediatric Hospital.
The panel said the doctors would remain barred from practising until their cases are determined by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal. It also said 10 other doctors had a case to answer for alleged professional misconduct, while eight were cleared.
The investigation followed the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege, one of Adichie’s twin sons, after a brief illness in January 2026.
According to the author, the child was taken to Euracare Hospital in Lagos for an MRI scan and insertion of a central line after what initially appeared to be a cold developed into a serious infection. She alleged that medical negligence occurred during the procedure.
Doctors involved in the case dispute that conclusion. One said the panel wrongly cited Rule 49(c) of Nigeria’s Code of Medical Ethics, which governs private practice by consultants employed in the public service.
The doctor said the rule was misapplied because the patient was not his private patient and he was invited only to provide an expert opinion outside official working hours.
He also claimed the investigative process denied respondents the chance to question the complainant. According to him, the complainant was absent during proceedings while her legal counsel cross-examined the doctors.
Another doctor criticised the panel’s conduct, alleging that questioning during the hearings was aggressive and appeared to presume guilt.
Some of the doctors further questioned why several practitioners were indicted when their involvement in the patient’s care was limited.
The panel concluded its investigation during its 25th session in Abuja in February. When contacted, the panel’s secretary declined to comment on the allegations, saying he was not authorised to speak to the media.
