Doctors Suspended Over Chimamanda Adichie's Son's Death Demand Apology, Allege Unfair Hearing
Three medical doctors who were suspended over the tragic death of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's son are now challenging the decision, alleging an unfair hearing and procedural bias. The doctors have demanded that their indictment be set aside and are calling for a public apology for what they describe as irreparable damage to their professional reputations.
Controversy Over Medical Investigation Panel's Handling
The case has sparked significant controversy regarding the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel's handling of the matter and raises broader implications for medical practice in Nigeria. Speaking to Punch on condition of anonymity, the doctors accused the panel of prejudging the case and misapplying the Code of Medical Ethics.
The suspended doctors include Dr Tunde Majekodunmi, Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital; Dr Titus Ogundare, an anesthesiologist at the same hospital; and Dr Atinuke Uwajeh, Chief Medical Officer at Atlantis Pediatric Hospital. They have broken their silence on the matter, claiming they were treated unfairly throughout the investigation process.
Details of the Suspension and Allegations
The suspension followed findings of medical negligence in the treatment of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege, who died on January 7, 2026, after a brief illness. The panel, established by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, determined that the doctors would remain barred from practising medicine in Nigeria until their cases are heard by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
One of the indicted doctors told Saturday PUNCH that the panel incorrectly cited Rule 49(c) of the Code of Medical Ethics against them. He explained that he had only been invited to give an expert opinion on a Saturday and emphasized that Nkanu was not his private patient. The doctor also criticized the panel for denying them the opportunity to cross-examine the complainant while allowing her legal counsel to question them extensively.
Allegations of Bias and Procedural Flaws
Another doctor accused the panel of clear bias, alleging that the physician who performed the lumbar puncture procedure, which is believed to have triggered complications leading to Nkanu's death, was not indicted. She described the entire process as a "witch-hunt" aimed at creating the impression that decisive action was being taken without proper due process.
The doctors further questioned why the panel made its findings public before formally notifying the affected medical professionals. They argued that this premature disclosure exacerbated the damage to their reputations and professional standing within the medical community.
Broader Implications for Nigeria's Healthcare System
The suspended physicians warned that such perceived injustices could seriously undermine public trust in Nigeria's healthcare system and potentially discourage medical professionals from performing their duties with necessary confidence. They emphasized that fair and transparent disciplinary processes are essential for maintaining both professional standards and public confidence in medical institutions.
The doctors have called for the immediate reversal of their indictment and for their names to be cleared publicly through appropriate channels. They maintain that proper procedural safeguards were not followed in their case and that the investigation panel's approach sets a dangerous precedent for medical disciplinary proceedings in Nigeria.
The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria has not yet responded to these specific allegations, but the case continues to draw attention to the balance between accountability for medical professionals and fair disciplinary procedures in the healthcare sector.
