The management of Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja has strongly denied allegations that it withheld a critical medical procedurei from former Senator Ibrahim Musa Kontagora due to incomplete payment, stating that no such surgery was ever scheduled and that the hospital does not perform the stem cell therapy in question.
Senator Kontagora, who represented Niger North Senatorial District from 2011 to 2015, passed away at the facility after being in a coma for over a week. His death sparked media reports alleging that the hospital declined a potentially life-saving operation because his family failed to pay a $30,000 medical bill.
Speaking on behalf of the hospital, Public Relations Officer Mr. Mohammed Abubakar clarified that the only procedure performed was a shunt to relieve blood clotting, and there was noi further surgery planned.
“There was no surgery planned,” Abubakar stated during a phone interview. “The senator underwent a shunt procedure, which was completed successfully. What followed was a doctor’s recommendation to explore stem cell therapy—a treatment we do not offer here.”
He further explained that stem cell treatment is typically coordinated with international medical experts, and Nizamiye Hospital merely serves as a liaison for families seeking such care abroad.
“We don’t conduct stem cell therapy in-house,” Abubakar emphasized. “The family had even reached out recently, asking for help in contacting the specialists who offer that treatment.”
Addressing allegations of financial disputes, the hospital dismissed reports that a $15,000 shortfall prevented further treatment, stating that the late senator’s hospital account still holds unused funds.
“There is no record of any pending payment or balance related to stem cell therapy,” Abubakar added. “If anyone claims otherwise, they should present documented evidence.”
Nizamiye Hospital maintained that it did not require any advance payment for further in-house treatment beyond the completed procedure and described the circulating allegations as misleading and damaging.
