Fresh details have emerged regarding the tragic death of 25-year-old Abuja-based singer Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene, popularly known as Nanyah, who passed away at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, after a snake bite at her Lugbe apartment. The singer, known for her classical, jazz, RnB, and soul performances, was a member of the Amemuso Choir.
Sam C. Ezugwu, Director of the Amemuso Choir, recounted the frantic events leading to her death. According to him, the first alert came at 10:13 a.m. when a choir member posted in their WhatsApp group that Ifunanya needed urgent help. Ezugwu immediately called to confirm and learned that she had been bitten by a snake.
He quickly contacted Vincent, another choir member experienced in emergencies, while rushing to FMC with Paschal, Ifunanya’s closest friend. On arrival, doctors were already attending to her. She was struggling to breathe, placed on oxygen, and unable to speak, though she attempted to communicate through hand gestures. Doctors confirmed that she had explained the bite had come from a grey snake. Her uncle, Mr. Joseph, was also present.
Ifunanya received antivenom and other treatments, but the hospital soon ran out of Neostigmine and additional doses of required medication. Ezugwu and Vincent drove to Skylark Pharmacy near the National Hospital to secure the necessary drugs. Despite these efforts, she was found lifeless upon returning to FMC. Choir members and friends gathered at the emergency ward, mourning her loss.
Eyewitnesses reported that the snake bite occurred between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. while she was asleep. Neighbours quickly tied her wrist to slow the venom’s spread and urged her to seek medical attention. Unable to start her car, Ifunanya ran approximately 500 metres to the estate gate, took a motorcycle to Divine Health Hospital, and then arranged transport to FMC. During this period, she stayed in constant communication with family, friends, and choir members.
After her passing, her body was embalmed and transported to Enugu. Members of the Amemuso Board, including its president Dr. Dayo Benjamins Laniyi, oversaw arrangements. Her remains were blessed at Guardian Angel Catholic Chapel, Lugbe, before the journey to Enugu.
A snake handler later inspected her residence and found a medium-sized cobra in her room, a smaller snake near her doormat, and a third in a nearby compound. Authorities concluded that the cobra was responsible for the fatal bite.
