The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, has reacted to the controversy surrounding the death of singer Ifunanya ‘Nanyah’ Nwangene.
The singer reportedly died after a snake bite at her home, with the incident triggering widespread reactions online on Sunday and raising questions about emergency healthcare response.
Members of her music group, Amemuso Choir, claimed she sought urgent medical attention at two hospitals but was allegedly denied treatment due to the unavailability of anti-venom.
Sam Ezugwu, music director of the Amemuso Choir, recounted the events leading to her death in an interview with TheCable. He said he rushed to FMC after seeing a distress message posted by Nwangene on social media and met her in critical condition on arrival.
According to him, hospital officials explained that although two doses of anti-venom were required, only one dose was immediately available and had already been administered.
Ezugwu acknowledged that FMC attended to her promptly when she arrived but stressed that delays earlier in her search for treatment worsened her condition. He added that a doctor later informed him that the venom had spread extensively by the time she reached the hospital.
After her passing, criticism mounted online, with several users accusing public hospitals of lacking essential emergency drugs. Popular health influencer Aproko Doctor was among those who condemned the alleged absence of anti-venom in government hospitals.
In a formal statement, FMC management defended its handling of the case, insisting that its staff acted swiftly and professionally.
The hospital said its medical team carried out resuscitation, administered intravenous fluids, provided intranasal oxygen, and gave “polyvalent snake antivenom”.
FMC further disclosed that medical assessment showed Nwangene had “suffered severe neurotoxic complications” from the snake bite. It stated that while arrangements were underway to move her to the intensive care unit (ICU), she “developed a sudden deterioration”.
“We want to clarify that the management team at Federal Medical Centre, Abuja acted promptly and with the utmost care upon Ms. Nwagene’s arrival,” the statement reads.
“Our medical staff provided immediate and appropriate treatment, including resuscitation efforts, intravenous fluids, intranasal oxygen, and the administration of polyvalent snake antivenom.
“After a thorough but quick evaluation, it was clear that Ms. Nwagene suffered severe neurotoxic complications from the snake bite.
“Despite all efforts to stabilize her condition and transfer her to the Intensive Care Unit for further treatment, she experienced a sudden deterioration just before the transfer.
“Our team of professionals worked diligently to provide CPR and other life-saving measures; however, despite these efforts, we were unable to revive her.”
The FMC dismissed allegations of negligence and claims of anti-venom shortage, describing them as “unfounded”.
“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,” the statement added.
“We are committed to transparency and integrity in our practices and will continue to pursue excellence in patient care.
“In light of these events, we encourage our community to engage with credible sources for information and updates rather than relying on social media speculation. We remain available for any further inquiries or clarifications.”