The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja, has explained the circumstances surrounding the death of singer Ifunanya ‘Nanyah’ Nwangene, saying she was brought to the hospital more than two hours after being bitten by a snake.
Nwangene, 26, reportedly died after she was bitten by a cobra at her residence in Abuja, sparking public outrage and debate over emergency healthcare response in the country.
Speaking on Saturday during the Senate Committee on Health’s 2026 budget defence session, the Chief Medical Director of FMC Jabi, Saad Ahmed, said the delay in presenting the patient significantly reduced the chances of survival.
“First, I want to extend my condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, but I would say this is a case of a cobra,” Ahmed said, noting that cobra venom is highly toxic and requires immediate medical attention.
He explained that by the time Nwangene was brought to the hospital—over two hours after the bite—the venom had already spread through her system.
Addressing claims circulating on social media that the hospital lacked anti-snake venom, Ahmed dismissed the allegations, saying, “And contrary to what we see in social media, that we didn’t have a snake venom, two doses were promptly given.… She presented to our hospital over two hours after she was bitten… and by that time, she had already started manifesting with some systemic envenomation.”
He added that the centre had adequate anti-venom in stock and that its emergency unit responded immediately upon her arrival.
Ahmed described the incident as a reminder of the importance of prompt medical intervention in emergency cases, particularly snakebites, where timing is critical.
Following the incident, the Senate Committee on Health urged federal and state authorities to strengthen emergency response and referral systems to ensure quicker access to life-saving care.