Award-winning Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has accused a Lagos-based hospital of obstructing efforts to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu.
According to Adichie, a coronial inquest that was expected to begin in April has faced repeated delays, which she believes are preventing a full examination of what happened before her son’s death in January.
In a public statement, the renowned novelist alleged that Euracare Hospital had created obstacles to the process and was attempting to stop the inquest from moving forward. She expressed frustration over what she described as efforts to delay the search for answers during an already painful period for her family.
Adichie said the hospital’s actions had made it difficult for her to grieve peacefully. She also questioned information contained in her son’s death certificate, arguing that there was insufficient medical evidence to support the stated cause of death.
The author and her family have previously accused the hospital of negligence, alleging that Nkanu was denied oxygen and was excessively sedated before suffering cardiac arrest. Euracare has denied any wrongdoing and has maintained that its medical care met international standards.
Adichie further alleged that some of the medical records provided by the hospital were incomplete and contained inaccuracies. Her legal team stated that Nkanu had initially received treatment at another medical facility before being transferred to Euracare for additional diagnostic procedures ahead of a planned medical trip to the United States.
The toddler died on January 7 after undergoing a series of medical examinations.
The case has attracted significant public attention in Nigeria, especially after a panel established by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria reportedly identified a possible case of medical negligence that warranted further investigation.
Adichie, internationally known for bestselling works including Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah, has called for transparency and accountability as the legal process continues.
By Viewers Corner News