Senator Ibrahim Musa Kontagora has reported died in private hospital in Abuja after suffering a medical emergency.
In a recent report by Peoples Gazette, the former lawmaker died at Nizamiye Hospital in the Nigerian capital after the facility allegedly declined to conduct a critical surgery because his family could not immediately settle a $15,000 balance.
The hospital had reportedly issued a $30,000 bill for the procedure, but the family was only able to make a $15,000 deposit at the time.
“Hospital officials said they would treat him as soon as the remaining balance came in,” a family member told The Gazette.
However, by the time the balance was secured, it was already too late.
Mr Kontagora represented Niger North Senatorial District from 2011 to 2015.
A spokesperson for the hospital cited a policy requiring full payment before treatment but did not take responsibility for the incident.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago was among those who reportedly helped raise funds for the surgery. Other political figures, including Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, have expressed condolences to the bereaved family.
Senator Kontagora is survived by his wife and children.
His burial is scheduled to take place at the National Mosque in Abuja on Thursday at 4:00 p.m., in accordance with Islamic rites.
