Former lawmaker representing Niger North Senatorial District, Senator Ibrahim Musa Kontagora, has died in Abuja after a medical emergency reportedly worsened due to a hospital’s refusal to proceed with surgery until full payment was made.
Naija News learnt that Kontagora passed away at Nizamiye Hospital, Abuja, where he had been rushed for urgent surgery.
According to family sources who spoke to Peoples Gazette, the hospital demanded a $30,000 deposit for the procedure, but declined to proceed after only $15,000 was initially provided.
A family member said, “Hospital officials said they would treat him as soon as the remaining balance came in”, adding that efforts to raise the balance were made, but “by the time it came in, it was already too late.”
A spokesperson for Nizamiye Hospital confirmed their policy of full payment before treatment, but reportedly did not accept responsibility for the incident.
The case has sparked outrage, with many questioning the ethics of withholding life-saving treatment due to incomplete payment, particularly for a public figure.
According to Peoples Gazette, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago was among those who reportedly rallied financial support for the late senator before his passing. Other political figures, including Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, have since expressed condolences.
Kontagora, who served in the Senate from 2011 to 2015, was known for his calm political style and advocacy on behalf of his constituents in Niger State.
He is survived by his wife and children, and will be buried later today at the National Mosque, Abuja, according to Islamic rites.
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