How my wife died after Kano hospital allegedly left scissors in her stomach — Husband recounts ordeal

The Abubakar Imam Urology Centre in Kano has been accused of medical negligence following the death of a housewife, Aishatu Umar, whose husband claimed that surgical scissors were left inside her abdomen after an operation.
The deceased’s husband, Abubakar Muhammad, alleged that his wife died as a result of complications arising from a surgical procedure carried out at the facility. It was gathered that Aishatu Umar passed away in the early hours of Monday.
According to Muhammad, his wife fell ill several months ago and underwent surgery at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre in September. He said that shortly after the operation, she began to experience severe abdominal pains.
He explained that despite repeatedly returning to the hospital to complain about the persistent pain, she was only given pain-relief medications without further medical investigations.
“Each time she went back to complain, they kept assuring her that the pain was normal after surgery. They never recommended an X-ray or any scan,” Muhammad said.
He added that the pain continued for about four months until medical examinations and scans were eventually carried out at the Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital and the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
According to him, the test results revealed that a pair of surgical scissors had been left inside her body during the September operation. Plans were reportedly being made to carry out corrective surgery to remove the object, but Umar died before the procedure could be performed.
Describing the incident as gross negligence, Muhammad said the loss had plunged his family into deep grief and raised serious concerns about professional standards within the healthcare system.
“While we understand that death is inevitable, it is difficult to comprehend how such a mistake could occur during surgery. Incidents like this erode public trust in medical professionals and health institutions,” he said.
He called on the Kano State Government and relevant regulatory authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure that justice is served.
As at the time of filing this report, the management of the hospital had yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
‘We will investigate thoroughly’ — Kano Hospitals Management Board
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, gave the directive on Tuesday, stating that the probe was aimed at establishing the facts and circumstances surrounding the case.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. The investigation will be transparent, impartial and professional, and appropriate actions will be taken in line with established regulations if negligence is established,” the statement said.
The Board reassured the public that patient safety remains a top priority and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of healthcare delivery in Kano State.
(Daily Trust, headline rejigged)