Atlantis Pediatric Hospital has defended the conduct of its medical team following the interim suspension of its Chief Medical Director by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel, stating that its professionals acted with reasonable duty of care while performing their responsibilities.
The hospital made its position known in a press statement, confirming that it had received formal notification of the panel’s decision.
The investigation panel is examining the circumstances surrounding the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Esege, the son of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who died after receiving medical attention at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital. The incident is also the subject of an ongoing coroner’s inquest in Lagos.
Atlantis Pediatric Hospital disclosed that it received a letter dated February 25, 2026, informing it of the interim suspension of its Chief Medical Director. According to the hospital, the correspondence was delivered on March 5.
While acknowledging the decision of the investigation panel, the hospital stated that it would seek appropriate professional and regulatory guidance in responding to issues arising from the development.
“As a healthcare institution dedicated to pediatric care, Atlantis Pediatric Hospital remains steadfast in its commitment to the highest standards of medical practice, patient safety and professional responsibility,” the hospital said.
“We are confident that all our medical professionals exercised reasonable duty of care and judgment in the discharge of their duties and this will be established in due course.”
The hospital noted that the case is already before the Lagos State Coroner’s Court, which is currently conducting an inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
Management explained that the ongoing legal proceedings influenced its decision to limit public comments on the matter.
“Due to the pendency of this matter before the court and out of respect for judicial integrity and process, our hospital will exercise restraint in making any public commentary on matters that are currently before a court of law,” the statement added.
The hospital also pledged full cooperation with the coroner’s inquest and any other lawful investigation aimed at establishing the facts surrounding the case.
Management extended condolences to the Adichie-Esege family, describing the death of the child as “deeply painful.”
“Our thoughts remain with the family at this difficult time,” the hospital said.
Atlantis Pediatric Hospital further assured patients, families and stakeholders that it would continue engaging constructively with relevant authorities to ensure transparency while maintaining high standards of pediatric healthcare practice.
What you should know
The Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel handles disciplinary matters involving medical professionals in Nigeria and can recommend sanctions when allegations of professional misconduct arise.
The case involving the death of Nkanu Esege has attracted significant public attention because of the involvement of the family of celebrated author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
A coroner’s inquest is currently underway in Lagos to determine the exact circumstances of the child’s death. Such inquests are meant to establish facts rather than assign criminal liability, though their findings can influence further legal or regulatory action.
