“The hospital lied!” says brother of rising star, Nanyah bitten to death by snake in Abuja

The brother of late Nigerian singer Ifunanya Nwangene, popularly known as Nanyah, has broken his silence on the circumstances surrounding her tragic death, describing the final hours of her life as a devastating failure of Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Nanyah bitten by snake in her apartment

According to Kingsley Nwangene, Nanyah’s brother, the singer was bitten by a snake at her Abuja residence on the morning of Saturday, January 31. 

Demonstrating presence of mind, she tied her hand to slow the spread of venom before setting out for medical care on her own.

“She called me around 8:30 am while she was on her way to the hospital,” Kingsley said. “She said, ‘Emy, don’t panic, but I have just been bitten by a snake. I’m on my way to the hospital.’ She was speaking clearly, conscious, and handled everything herself.”

First Hospital could not help

Nanyah first visited Divine Health Hospital in Lugbe, Abuja, but the facility reportedly lacked the critical anti-venom needed to treat her. 

She quickly arranged another ride to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, hoping to receive proper treatment.

Kingsley, who stayed on the phone with his sister throughout the ordeal, recalled the tense moments. “I called people I knew in Abuja while she was in the car by herself, her hand still tied,” he said.

Delays at second hospital

At FMC, Nanyah was taken to the emergency unit, but according to her brother, staff reportedly asked numerous questions instead of immediately administering anti-venom. 

Doctors removed the cloth she used to tie her hand and placed her on a drip, instructing her to stay calm.

“She started feeling dizzy, her speech became unclear, and her condition deteriorated,” Kingsley recounted. “I ended the call only when our uncle arrived at the hospital, thinking she was in capable hands.”

Debunking false claims

Kingsley strongly rejected viral reports suggesting that Nanyah arrived late at the hospital or was unable to communicate.

“She was conscious, speaking clearly, and fully capable. She went to the hospital on her own two legs,” he said.

He also expressed deep frustration at the healthcare system that failed his sister. “Why did they remove the cloth she tied to slow the venom? Why was she given a drip instead of anti-venom? The hospital failed her and then tried to misrepresent the situation,” Kingsley said.

Family grief and anger

The Nwangene family has been left heartbroken by the loss. Kingsley shared personal memories of Nanyah just days before her death, highlighting her vitality and love for music.

“She sent me a video singing just because I asked her to,” he recalled. “Now, who will sing for me? Water fills my eyes…”

Nanyah, who had been a rising star in Nigeria’s music scene, leaves behind fans and family in mourning.

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