The Kano State Hospitals Management Board has confirmed that the tragic death of Aishatu Umar, a mother of five, resulted from medical negligence at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre, a government-owned specialist hospital in Kano State. The admission follows a preliminary investigation that revealed that surgical scissors were inadvertently left inside the patient’s abdomen after a medical procedure, a lapse that ultimately led to fatal complications.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, the Public Relations Officer of the Board, Samira Suleiman, disclosed that the findings emerged from an internal inquiry ordered by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda. According to the statement, the investigation established clear professional lapses during the surgical procedure performed on the deceased, confirming that standard medical protocols were breached.
“The preliminary investigation conducted by the management has confirmed that a pair of surgical scissors was left inside the patient’s body following a surgical operation,” the statement said. “This unfortunate incident amounts to medical negligence, which is unacceptable and contrary to the ethical standards guiding medical practice.”
Following the discovery, the Board announced the immediate suspension of three healthcare personnel directly involved in the surgery from clinical duties. The identities of the suspended staff were not disclosed, but the Board emphasized that the action was taken to prevent interference with ongoing investigations and to demonstrate its commitment to accountability within the healthcare system.
In addition to the suspensions, the case has been formally referred to the Kano State Medical Ethics Committee for a comprehensive and independent investigation. The committee is expected to review the conduct of the medical personnel involved and recommend appropriate disciplinary actions in accordance with professional ethics, state regulations, and existing medical laws.
“The matter has been escalated to the Kano State Medical Ethics Committee for further investigation and necessary disciplinary measures in line with professional standards and the law,” the statement added.
The Board also extended its condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the loss as painful and deeply regrettable. It assured the public that negligence in the state’s health facilities would not be tolerated and that decisive steps would be taken to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
“The Board extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late Aishatu Umar and sympathizes with them over this painful loss. We reassure the public that negligence will not be condoned in any form, and appropriate actions will be taken to strengthen patient safety across all facilities under our supervision,” the statement read.
The incident, which has sparked public outrage and renewed concerns about patient safety in public hospitals, was earlier reported by Daily Trust. According to the report, Aishatu Umar died after undergoing surgery at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre, where surgical scissors were allegedly left inside her abdomen.
Her husband, Abubakar Muhammad, provided a harrowing account of the events leading to his wife’s death. He explained that after the surgery, his wife began to experience severe pain and unusual complications, which she repeatedly reported to the hospital’s medical staff. Despite her persistent complaints and visible deterioration in health, the family alleged that the hospital failed to take timely and decisive action.
Muhammad stated that his wife’s condition worsened over time, leading to prolonged suffering before she eventually passed away. He expressed deep anguish over what he described as avoidable negligence, insisting that earlier intervention could have saved her life.
The case has reignited discussions around medical accountability, quality assurance, and oversight in Nigeria’s public healthcare system, particularly in state-owned hospitals. Health experts and civil society groups have called for stricter enforcement of surgical safety protocols, improved supervision of medical personnel, and greater transparency in handling cases of medical malpractice.
Patient safety advocates have also urged the Kano State Government to go beyond disciplinary measures by reviewing systemic weaknesses that allow such errors to occur, including inadequate staffing, fatigue among healthcare workers, and lapses in post-operative monitoring.
As investigations continue, the Kano State Hospitals Management Board has pledged to cooperate fully with relevant authorities and professional bodies to ensure justice for the deceased and her family. The outcome of the ethics committee’s findings is expected to determine whether the suspended personnel will face further sanctions, including possible license suspension or criminal prosecution.
For many residents of Kano, the death of Aishatu Umar stands as a painful reminder of the human cost of medical negligence and the urgent need for reforms that place patient safety at the heart of healthcare delivery.
