Nigerian Senator dies as Abuja hospital
denies critical surgery over $15000 bill

Ex-Senator Ibrahim Musa Kontagora died today, Thursday afternoon, at Nizamiye Hospital, in Abuja, having suffered a medical emergency.

According to a source close to the family, the hospital had confirmed a $30,000 bill for Mr. Kontagora, a former Senator who represented Niger North Senatorial District from the year 2011 to 2015, but he was only able to deposit $15,000.

Mr Kontagora died at Nizamiye Hospital following the blunt refusal of facility management to conduct a critical surgery.

Their refusal to administer treatment to the former Senator was said to be consequent on the failure of his relatives to pay $15,000 bill immediately.

The hospital had confirmed a $30,000 bill for Mr Kontagora, who represented Niger North Senatorial District from 2011 to 2015, but he was only able to deposit $15,000.

“Hospital officials said they would treat him as soon as the remaining balance came in,” a family member said. The family scrambled to get the balance, but, by the time it came in, it was already too late, The Gazette was told.

A spokesperson said the hospital had a policy of accepting full payment before treatment, but did not take responsibility for the tragedy.

Niger Governor Mohammed Bago was among those who raised funds for Mr Kontagora’s botched emergency surgery. Other politicians, including Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, have expressed condolences.

The late politician was survived by his wife and children. He will be buried shortly after Islamic rites at the National Mosque, Abuja, at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, The Gazette heard.