Abubakar Binji, husband of the late Aishatu Umar, who lost her life due to alleged medical negligence following surgery at a Kano hospital, narrates to Tukur Muntari how his wife endured excruciating pain before dying after a pair of scissors was reportedly left inside her stomach
How are you related to the late Aishatu Umar?
The late Aishatu was my wife.
Can you tell us what led to her death?
She died after undergoing surgery at Abubakar Imam Urology Hospital in Kano on September 16, 2025, to remove a cyst from her left kidney.
After the surgery and her discharge, we ensured to keep up all follow-up appointments, and she was given all necessary medications. However, she frequently complained of abdominal pain, saying she felt as though something was still inside her.
We were always told that some abdominal pain is normal after surgery, so we assumed that might be the case and tried to manage it as she endured excruciating pain over time.
Was she taken back to the hospital for medical attention?
Not until Friday, January 9, around 4 pm. She called me, screaming and crying, saying she was in severe stomach pain and needed urgent attention. I was too far from home, so our children rushed her to the hospital.
I met them there, and we stayed until 2 am. She was given all the necessary medications, and the hospital told us to go home. But the pain did not stop, despite all the painkillers.
How was she feeling after returning from the hospital?
She couldn’t sleep. We managed the situation until morning, then rushed back to the hospital, where treatment continued. The doctors advised that a scan be carried out, and the result was brought back for review. The doctor told us they could not manage her case yet due to ongoing renovations, but told us she needed urgent admission.
We then went to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, where, after reviewing the scan, she was immediately admitted to a female medical ward.
What happened at the female ward?
Her scan was reviewed by the doctors on duty, after which a team of gynaecologists was called. Additional X-rays were conducted, and she was given medication. On Sunday afternoon, during another scan and X-ray, a pair of scissors was discovered inside her stomach.
What did the medical staff say after discovering the scissors?
The scanning staff asked, “Did she undergo surgery anywhere?” We confirmed it was at Abubakar Imam Urology Hospital. She explained that a pair of scissors had been left in her body. We immediately returned to the hospital, where surgeons were called to prepare for emergency surgery.
She was prepared and taken to the theatre, but tragically, she died during the preliminary stages of the operation.
How did you feel upon learning that scissors had been left in her stomach?
I felt some relief because we finally understood the source of her severe pain. She couldn’t eat without vomiting. I was hopeful that the problem could be fixed. Unfortunately, she did not survive.
Are you considering suing the hospital responsible for the first surgery?
That decision will be made by the family. We are still mourning. However, justice must be served, as a life was lost. We are calling on all relevant authorities and regulatory bodies to take this matter seriously. Medical negligence like this happens frequently, and something must be done to curb it.
How would you describe your wife, and what does losing her mean to you?
My wife was caring and supportive. She raised our children to be independent. Losing her is devastating. We were married for 20 years and had five children, the youngest being about four years old.
How are the children coping?
We are leaving everything to God and trying to manage, even though her loss is immense.
Do you have a lawyer to help pursue the matter?
Yes, a group of lawyers has contacted us. We are still at the preliminary stages, but we intend to seek redress.
Do you think the Kano State Government is handling the matter properly?
We are waiting for the panel’s report, so we’ll reserve judgment for now.
Have you heard from the hospital about how the scissors were left in her stomach?
I called the doctor who led the surgery to inform him. He said it was unfortunate and promised to come, but no one showed up until the issue went viral on social media. Then, the team arrived in several vehicles to console us, saying it happened as God willed. No government official has reached out; only the hospital management sent condolences.
Do you think the health sector in Nigeria is improving?
No. The health sector is poor in patient management, and the government needs to do more. Regulatory bodies must perform their duties effectively. That is the basic truth.
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