Former Niger North Senator, Ibrahim Musa Kontagora, has died in Abuja following a medical emergency, amid allegations that a private hospital delayed life-saving surgery due to an outstanding bill.
According to Peoples Gazette, the ex-lawmaker passed away at Nizamiye Hospital after the facility allegedly insisted on full payment of a $30,000 surgery fee before proceeding. His family was said to have paid $15,000 upfront, with the remaining $15,000 balance arriving too late for the procedure to be carried out
A family source told the paper that hospital officials maintained they would only commence treatment once the outstanding payment was made. By the time the funds were secured—reportedly with assistance from Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago—it was too late to save him.
The hospital, while confirming its policy of requiring full payment before treatment, did not accept responsibility for the senator’s death.
Kontagora, who served in the Senate from 2011 to 2015, is survived by his wife and children. His funeral will be held at the National Mosque in Abuja on Thursday at 4:00 p.m., in line with Islamic rites.
Political associates, including Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, have expressed condolences to the bereaved family.
