By Muhammad Mamman
A former Nigerian senator, Ibrahim Musa Kontagora, has died following a delayed emergency surgery at a private hospital in Abuja, allegedly due to an unpaid balance of $15,000.
Kontagora, who represented Niger North Senatorial District between 2011 and 2015, passed away at Nizamiye Hospital, where doctors refused to proceed with a critical medical procedure until full payment was made.
According to family sources, the hospital demanded a $30,000 advance for the life-saving operation, but only $15,000 was available at the time of admission.
“They told us they would begin treatment once the remaining balance arrived,” a relative told Peoples Gazette. “We were doing everything possible to raise the money, but by the time it came in, it was already too late.”
Kontagora’s condition deteriorated rapidly while the hospital reportedly held off on the surgery. Efforts by associates, including Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, to raise the remaining funds ultimately came too late.
Hospital Cites Payment Policy
Nizamiye Hospital confirmed the payment policy, stating that emergency procedures require full payment in advance. However, the hospital did not comment further or acknowledge any liability in the senator’s death.
Political Community Mourns
Senator Aliyu Abdullahi and several other political figures have expressed shock and sadness at Kontagora’s passing, describing it as a preventable loss that underscores deep concerns about access to emergency healthcare—even for high-profile citizens.
Final Rites
Senator Kontagora is survived by his wife and children. He will be laid to rest at 4:00 p.m. today at the National Mosque, Abuja, in accordance with Islamic burial rites.
