KEY POINTS

• Lagos government orders independent probe into toddler’s death
• Health agency visits hospital, reviews clinical conduct
• Adichie alleges criminal negligence by medical personnel

The Lagos State Government has ordered an investigation into possible medical negligence after the death of Nkanu Nnamdi, the 21-month-old son of famous Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, at a private hospital in the state.

Adichie’s twin son Nkanu died last Thursday after a short illness, which made people worry and call for answers about how he was treated.

Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Health, said in a statement on Saturday that the death of a child was a terrible tragedy that needed a full and open review.

She said that the governor had told the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency to start an independent investigation into the event right away.

Health agency begins hospital review

Ogunyemi said that HEFAMAA had already gone to the facility in question and started looking over all the claims and medical reports related to the case. The agency should look into whether the medical staff are following clinical protocols, acting professionally, keeping patients safe, and doing their jobs.

She also said that the investigation would be done with the help of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and other relevant regulatory bodies to make sure it is credible and professional.

The Lagos government said that the results of the investigation would be made public once it was over, stressing its commitment to openness and public accountability.

Officials also told residents that anyone or any organization found guilty of negligence, professional misconduct, or breaking the law would be punished according to the law.

Adichie, in a statement released on Saturday, alleged that her son’s death was the result of what she described as criminal negligence. She accused the anaesthesiologist involved in the child’s care of being careless and fatally casual with the life of a child.

According to the writer, her son initially showed symptoms consistent with a mild cold, but his condition deteriorated rapidly into a severe infection while under medical care.

Her account has intensified public scrutiny of private healthcare practices in Lagos, particularly regarding emergency response and pediatric care standards.