Former Nigerian senator Ibrahim Musa Kontagora has died in Abuja after suffering a medical emergency and reportedly being unable to meet a critical hospital bill for surgery.
Mr Kontagora, who represented Niger North Senatorial District in the Senate between 2011 and 2015, died on Thursday afternoon at Nizamiye Hospital, a private medical facility in the Nigerian capital.
Medical Emergency and Unpaid Bill
According to Peoples Gazette, the former lawmaker required urgent surgical intervention and was billed $30,000 (approximately N45.8 million) by the hospital. However, at the time of the emergency, he was only able to make a $15,000 (N22.9 million) deposit.
“Hospital officials said they would treat him as soon as the remaining balance came in,” a family source was quoted as saying.
“The family scrambled to raise the rest, but by the time it came in, it was already too late.”
Hospital representatives confirmed the billing terms, citing a policy requiring full payment before treatment, but refused to take responsibility for the delay that resulted in the senator’s death.
Outpouring of Grief and Condolences
News of the senator’s tragic death has sparked public outrage and mourning across political circles and among citizens. Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State was among those who contributed financially to the emergency effort.
Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi and other political associates have since issued statements expressing their condolences to the bereaved family.
Final Rites
The late senator was buried on Thursday at 4:00 p.m. at the National Mosque in Abuja, following Islamic rites. He is survived by his wife and children.
