ONE of Kano’s finest medical facility, the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre has been accused of medical negligence following the death of a patient, Aishatu Umar, whose husband alleged that a pair of surgical scissors was mistakenly left inside her abdomen during an operation.
The deceased’s husband, Abubakar Muhammad, said his wife died in the early hours of Monday after months of complications arising from a surgical procedure carried out at the hospital in September 2025.
According to Muhammad, his wife fell ill several months ago and was admitted to the urology centre, where she underwent surgery. However, shortly after the operation, she reportedly began experiencing persistent and severe abdominal pain.
He alleged that despite repeatedly returning to the hospital to complain about the worsening pain, medical personnel dismissed her concerns and merely prescribed pain-relief medication without conducting further investigations.
“Each time she went back to the hospital to complain, they only gave her drugs and told her that the pain was normal for someone who had undergone surgery,” Muhammad told this newspaper.
“They never recommended an X-ray or any scan to find out what was really wrong.”
Muhammad said the pain persisted for about four months, prompting the family to seek medical attention elsewhere. He explained that medical tests and scans were eventually conducted at Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
According to him, the results of the scans allegedly revealed that a pair of surgical scissors had been left inside her body during the surgery performed at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre.
The husband said arrangements were being made for a corrective surgical procedure to remove the foreign object, but Umar died before the operation could be carried out.
Describing the incident as “gross negligence,” Muhammad said the loss had plunged his family into deep grief while also raising serious questions about professionalism and patient safety in public healthcare facilities.
“While we understand that death is inevitable, it is difficult to comprehend how such an error could occur during a surgical procedure,” he said.
“Incidents like this undermine public confidence in medical professionals and healthcare institutions.”
He called on the Kano State Government and relevant regulatory authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and ensure that those found culpable are held accountable.
As of the time of filing this report, the management of the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre had not issued an official response to the allegations.
Meanwhile, the Kano State Hospitals Management Board has ordered an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the incident.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr Mansur Mudi Nagoda, issued the directive on Tuesday, stating that the probe would establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the patient’s death.
“We extend our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones,” Nagoda said.
“The investigation will be transparent, impartial, and professional, and appropriate actions will be taken in line with established regulations should any negligence be established.”
The Board further reassured the public that patient safety remains a top priority and pledged its commitment to upholding the highest standards of healthcare delivery across all government-owned medical facilities in Kano State.