FMC Abuja Breaks Silence on Ifunanya Lucy Nwagene’s Snakebite Death
The Federal Medical Centre Jabi Abuja has formally addressed the growing controversy surrounding Ifunanya Lucy Nwagene’s snakebite death, widely known as Nanyah, firmly dismissing claims of an FMC Abuja anti venom shortage. In an official statement released on Sunday, the hospital clarified that the 26 year old musician died from severe neurotoxic complications following a venomous snakebite, despite receiving immediate and appropriate emergency care.
Nanyah passed away on Saturday January 31 2026 after being bitten by a snake inside her Lugbe residence in the Federal Capital Territory. According to FMC Abuja, she was treated promptly upon arrival, including the administration of life saving polyvalent snake anti venom alongside standard emergency protocols.
The clarification followed online accusations by friends and associates who alleged that the absence of anti venom at the hospital worsened her condition. Responding to the claims, the hospital’s Head of Clinical Services Dr Bioku Muftau stated that the reports were inaccurate and misleading. He confirmed that the medical team initiated resuscitation, intravenous fluids, oxygen support, and anti venom treatment immediately after she arrived at the facility around 10 am.
Details of the incident reveal that the singer had been bitten while asleep in her apartment. Witnesses later identified the snake as a cobra. Despite the shock, she reportedly remained conscious long enough to book transport to a nearby private clinic in Lugbe. The clinic however did not have anti venom available, forcing her to travel nearly thirty minutes to FMC Jabi for advanced care.
By the time she arrived at the medical centre, doctors said the venom had already begun attacking her respiratory system. While preparations were underway to move her into intensive care, her condition suddenly worsened. A multidisciplinary medical team carried out prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation, but all efforts to revive her proved unsuccessful. The hospital emphasized that irreversible damage had already occurred before her arrival, not as a result of delayed treatment within the facility.
Nanyah was a well respected talent in Abuja’s music and choral community. She gained national attention after appearing on The Voice Nigeria in 2021 and was celebrated for her ability to blend opera, jazz, and soul. She served as a lead soprano with the Amemuso Choir, where her music director Sam Ezugwu described her as a rising star preparing for her first major solo concert later in 2026.
The tragedy was further deepened by accounts from friends who said Nanyah had earlier complained of spotting a large snake in her apartment. After her death, a snake catcher reportedly removed a large reptile from the premises, with footage circulating widely online. The Amemuso Choir confirmed her passing, calling her a joy giver whose presence would be deeply missed.
Her family has requested that her remains be transported to Enugu State for burial arrangements.
Although FMC Abuja has defended its medical response, the incident has reignited nationwide concern about emergency preparedness, access to life saving medications, and snakebite response systems in Nigeria. Public health advocates have renewed calls for improved awareness, quicker referral pathways, and better equipped facilities to address snake envenoming, which remains a serious but often overlooked threat.
In closing, FMC Abuja expressed its condolences to the Nwagene family and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and quality healthcare delivery. As the music community mourns the loss of the Soprano Queen, her death stands as a painful reminder of how quickly venomous encounters can turn fatal and why early intervention and public education remain critical.