FMC Jabi Responds On Singer Nanyah’s Death

FMC Jabi Responds on Singer Nanyah’s Death, Denies Claims Anti-Venom Was Unavailable
The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi in Abuja has officially addressed public allegations emerging on social media following the death of Ifunanya Lucy Nwagene, popularly known as Nanyah, stating that all necessary emergency care including anti-snake venom was provided, and dismissing claims that treatment was delayed or inadequate.

• Ms. Ifunanya “Nanyah” Nwagene, a rising Abuja-based singer, died on 31 January 2026 from complications after being bitten by a snake at her residence in Abuja. Her death sparked widespread public discussion and social media criticism of emergency health care response and availability of life-saving drugs like anti-venom.
• Some social media posts and eyewitness accounts claimed that she had first sought medical help at another facility and that anti-venom was allegedly unavailable, contributing to delays in treatment. These accounts intensified scrutiny of the response by public hospitals, including FMC Jabi.
  In a press statement signed by Dr. Bioku Muftau, Head of Clinical Services, FMC Jabi outlined what happened after Nanyah arrived at the hospital:
• Immediate Emergency Response: Upon arrival, Nanyah was attended to promptly, with emergency measures that included resuscitation efforts, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen, and the administration of polyvalent anti-snake venom in line with standard protocols.
• Clinical Assessment: The medical team quickly determined that she had developed severe neurotoxic complications from the snake bite. Arrangements were being made to transfer her to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for further treatment when her condition deteriorated suddenly. Despite CPR and other life-saving measures, she could not be revived.
• Anti-Venom & Negligence Claims Denied: FMC Jabi strongly rejected allegations of negligence, lack of anti-venom, or delayed response, describing such claims as “unfounded and not reflective of the reality” at the hospital. The statement reaffirmed the facility’s commitment to transparency, integrity, and excellence in patient care.
• The hospital expressed its deepest condolences to Nanyah’s family and loved ones, acknowledging the tragic nature of the loss.
• FMC Jabi encouraged the community to base discussions on verified information from credible sources, rather than on unverified social media speculation.
• Critics of public health infrastructure in Nigeria have pointed to this and similar cases to argue that consistent shortages of essential medicines, such as anti-venom, can have deadly consequences, especially in emergencies.
• Supporters of the hospital’s statement say the facility followed emergency care protocols, but acknowledge that earlier delays or challenges in accessing care at initial points of treatment may have affected Nanyah’s outcome.