Singer Nanyah: FMC Abuja speaks on snake bite death, denies anti-venom shortage

The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi in Abuja, has dismissed claims circulating on social media that it failed to provide timely care and anti-snake venom to singer Ifunanya Nwagene, fondly called Nanyah, who died after suffering complications from a snake bite.

Nanyah died after suffering a snake bite at her residence in Abuja on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Nanyah was said to have rushed herself to two different hospitals for urgent medical attention, but was allegedly left untreated due to the unavailability of anti-venom at both facilities.

However, the FMC, in a statement issued on Sunday by its Head of Clinical Service, Dr Bioku Muftau, said the singer died from severe neurotoxic complications she suffered from the snake bit and not from negligence or lack of medical supplies.

The hospital said Nanyah was immediately attended to on arrival at the facility, where a team of medical professionals commenced resuscitation measures, administered intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen, and polyvalent anti-snake venom in line with standard emergency protocols.

It stated: After a thorough but quick evaluation, it was clear that Ms. Nwagene suffered severe neurotoxic complications from the snake bite.

“Despite all efforts to stabilise her condition and transfer her to the Intensive Care Unit for further treatment, she experienced a sudden deterioration just before the transfer.

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“Our team of professionals worked diligently to provide CPR and other life-saving measures; however, despite these efforts, we were unable to revive her.”

Reacting to allegations of anti-venom unavailability and delayed response, the FMC management described such claims as “unfounded and misleading,” stressing that they do not reflect the true sequence of events or the level of care provided.

“We stand by the quality of care and dedication our team demonstrates daily. The claims of non-availability of anti-snake venom and inadequate response are unfounded and do not reflect the reality of the situation. We are committed to transparency and integrity in our practices and will continue to pursue excellence in patient care,” it said.

While expressing deep condolences to the family of the deceased, the hospital management urged the public to rely on verified information from credible sources and avoid social media speculation capable of causing unnecessary distress and misinformation.

The Star