The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, has refuted allegations that the death of Ms Ifunanya Lucy Nwagene resulted from the failure to administer polyvalent snake anti-venom.
The Head of Clinical Services, Dr Bioku Muftau, in a signed press release, confirmed that Nwagene died from neurotoxic complications following a snakebite sustained while she was asleep on 31 January.
According to Dr Muftau, medical staff at the facility provided immediate and appropriate treatment, including resuscitation efforts, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen, and the administration of polyvalent snake antivenom.
Nwangene’s passing was announced by the Amemuso Choir in a statement on its Facebook page on Sunday afternoon.
The statement, signed by the choir’s music director, Sam Ezugwu, announced the circumstances of her passing.
“We regret to announce the sudden demise of our beloved soprano, Ifunanya Nwangene, who passed away yesterday, 31 January, 2026, at the Federal Medical Centre due to a snakebite,” the statement read.
The choir described her as a fast-rising talent within Abuja’s music community, noting that her death came at a critical stage of her artistic journey.
Dr Muftau, explained that the patient was brought to the hospital in a critical condition and was promptly attended to by the emergency medical team in line with established clinical protocols for snake envenomation.
He further stated that following initial stabilisation, Nwagene was admitted for close monitoring due to the neurotoxic nature of the venom, which is known to cause progressive respiratory and neurological complications in severe cases. Despite the timely administration of antivenom and supportive care, her condition reportedly deteriorated.
“Snakebite envenomation, particularly from neurotoxic species, can lead to rapid systemic failure even when appropriate treatment is instituted early,” He noted, adding that such outcomes, though unfortunate, are recognised complications in severe cases.
The FMC Abuja management strongly refuted allegations of negligence or lack of essential medicines, stressing that the facility maintains an adequate stock of polyvalent snake antivenom and that its clinical team acted in accordance with global best practices.
The hospital also urged members of the public to rely on verified information and avoid spreading unsubstantiated claims capable of undermining confidence in the healthcare system. It further extended condolences to the family of the deceased and reiterated its commitment to providing quality emergency and specialist care to patients.
Ms. Nwagene was a fast-rising singer in Abuja, popularly known as Nanyah, and was noted for her soprano voice with the Amemuso Choir.
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