Senator Ibrahim Musa Kontagora has died in Abuja after suffering a medical emergency, his family told Peoples Gazette on Thursday afternoon.

Mr Kontagora died at Nizamiye Hospital in the Nigerian capital after the facility management declined to conduct a critical surgery due to failure to pay $15,000 bill immediately, The Gazette was told.

The hospital had confirmed a $30,000 bill for Mr Kontagora, who represented Niger North Senatorial District from 2011 to 2015, but he was only able to deposit $15,000.

“Hospital officials said they would treat him as soon as the remaining balance came in,” a family member said. The family scrambled to get the balance, but, by the time it came in, it was already too late, The Gazette was told.

A spokesperson said the hospital had a policy of accepting full payment before treatment, but did not take responsibility for the tragedy.

Niger Governor Mohammed Bago was among those who raised funds for Mr Kontagora’s botched emergency surgery. Other politicians, including Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, have expressed condolences.

The late politician was survived by his wife and children. He will be buried shortly after Islamic rites at the National Mosque, Abuja, at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, The Gazette heard.