Senator Ibrahim dies after Abuja hospital reportedly delays surgery over unpaid $15,000 balance

Senator Ibrahim Musa Kontagora has passed away in Abuja following a medical emergency, with reports alleging that a private hospital declined to carry out a life-saving procedure due to incomplete payment.

PlatinumPost reports that Kontagora represented Niger North senatorial district in the National Assembly between from 2011 to 2015.

According to report by Peoples Gazette, Kontagora died at a well-known private medical facility in Abuja, reportedly operated by Turkish nationals, after hospital administrators refused to proceed with an urgent surgery until a $15,000 balance was settled.

The total cost for the operation was said to be $30,000, but Kontagora — who represented Niger North Senatorial District from 2011 to 2015 — had only been able to make a partial payment.

“Hospital officials said they would treat him as soon as the remaining balance came in,” a family member told The Gazette. Efforts were made to raise the rest of the funds, but the money arrived too late, the report added.

A spokesperson for the hospital confirmed their policy requiring full payment before treatment, but the facility did not take responsibility for the outcome.

Among those who contributed toward the emergency fund was Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago.

Condolences have also poured in from political figures including Senator Aliyu Abdullahi.