The body of Abuja-based singer Ifunanya Nwangene, who died following a snake bite, has been transported to her father’s residence in Enugu State, the Amemuso Choir confirmed on Monday.
In a statement signed by the choir’s director, Sam Ezugwu, a detailed timeline of events leading to Nwangene’s death was provided amid public discussions over antivenom availability and claims of medical negligence.
According to the statement, the incident occurred on Saturday morning, when a choir member, Stephanie, alerted the group via WhatsApp around 10:13 a.m., saying Nwangene had been bitten by a snake in her Lugbe residence. Emergency arrangements were immediately made, with choir members rushing to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja.
Upon arrival, Nwangene was struggling to breathe and was placed on oxygen. She attempted to communicate using hand gestures. A doctor at the emergency ward confirmed that she had arrived on her own, explaining she had been bitten by a grey snake. Her uncle, Joseph, was also present at the hospital.
Nwangene was administered a drip, antivenom, and other treatments. However, doctors later indicated that additional medication, including Neostigmine, was urgently needed but unavailable at the hospital. Ezugwu and another choir member procured the drug from a nearby pharmacy.
Tragically, while they were returning to FMC, they were informed that resuscitation efforts had begun, but moments later, they received confirmation that Nwangene had passed away.
“She was bitten on the wrist while sleeping between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Neighbours tied her hand to slow venom spread and helped her to the hospital,” the statement said. A vehicle failed to start, forcing her to walk 500 metres to the estate gate before taking a motorcycle to Divine Health Hospital, where she was referred to FMC due to antivenom unavailability.
After her death, her body was embalmed and transported to Enugu following prayers at Guardian Angel Catholic Chapel, Lugbe. A snake handler later inspected her residence, discovering a medium-sized cobra in her room, which was identified as the snake responsible for the fatal bite. Two other snakes were found nearby.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) assured the public that antivenom supplies are fully stocked across all FCTA hospitals and health centres. Mandate Secretary Adedolapo Fasawe said the territory maintains polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms, stored centrally at the Abuja Central Medical Stores.
Meanwhile, FMC Abuja denied allegations of negligence, stating that Nwangene received immediate and appropriate care, including resuscitation, intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy, and antivenom. The hospital noted she suffered severe neurotoxic complications and deteriorated suddenly while being prepared for ICU transfer.
The Amemuso Choir described Nwangene’s death as a major loss to Abuja’s music community. Burial arrangements will be announced later.
