Kontagora, who represented Niger North Senatorial District from 2011 to 2015, was admitted to Nizamiye Hospital where doctors demanded a $30,000 payment for surgery. His family was only able to deposit $15,000 at the time.
Former Nigerian senator Ibrahim Musa Kontagora has died in Abuja following an alleged refusal by a private hospital to perform a critical surgery due to incomplete payment.
Kontagora, who represented Niger North Senatorial District from 2011 to 2015, was admitted to Nizamiye Hospital where doctors demanded a $30,000 payment for surgery. His family was only able to deposit $15,000 at the time.
“Hospital officials said they would treat him as soon as the remaining balance came in,” a family member told Peoples Gazette. However, by the time the remaining funds were raised, it was reportedly too late.
A hospital spokesperson said full payment before treatment was a standing policy but declined responsibility for the incident.
Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State was among those who contributed toward the emergency bill. Senator Aliyu Abdullahi and others have expressed condolences.
Kontagora is survived by his wife and children. He is scheduled to be buried at the National Mosque in Abuja by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, in accordance with Islamic rites.