Senator allegedly denied treatment over $30,000 hospital bill, passes away

Former Nigerian senator Ibrahim Musa Kontagora has died in Abuja  after suffering a medical emergency, with his family alleging that a $30,000 hospital bill delayed urgent surgery.

Kontagora, who represented Niger North Senatorial District from 2011 to 2015, passed away at Nizamiye Hospital.

His family claimed he was unable to pay the full amount upfront, managing only a $15,000 deposit.

Hospital staff allegedly insisted on receiving the complete payment before treatment could begin.

The family scrambled to raise the balance, but it reportedly arrived too late.

A hospital spokesperson confirmed a full-payment policy but did not take responsibility for the incident.

Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago contributed towards the bill, while Senator Aliyu Abdullahi and others have offered condolences.