Fresh details have emerged surrounding the tragic death of Abuja-based gospel singer and chorister, Ifunanya, who reportedly died after a snake bite on the morning of the incident.
According to a detailed account shared by Sam C. Ezugwu, director of the Amemuso Choir, the emergency began at exactly 10:13 a.m. when a message was sent to the Amemuso Choir WhatsApp group urgently seeking anyone around Jabi or the Federal Medical Centre (FMC).
Following the message, immediate efforts were made to reach the sender, Stephanie, who confirmed that Ifunanya had been bitten by a snake. Emergency response members were swiftly mobilised, including Vincent, while others rushed to FMC.
By the time help arrived at the hospital, doctors were already attending to Ifunanya. She was reportedly placed on oxygen, struggling to breathe and unable to speak, though she attempted to communicate through hand gestures. Medical personnel confirmed that she arrived at the emergency ward alone and explained that a grey snake had bitten her.
Her uncle, Mr. Joseph, was also present at the hospital.
Doctors administered antivenom and placed her on a drip. However, as treatment progressed, the medical team disclosed that the hospital had run out of Neostigmine and required additional doses of medications already administered. Efforts were immediately made to source the drugs, which were eventually found at a pharmacy near the National Hospital.
While arrangements were ongoing, concerns arose about Ifunanya’s condition. Although doctors were still checking her vitals and administering care, she appeared to have stopped breathing. Moments later, resuscitation attempts began.
Tragically, while returning to FMC with the urgently needed medication, confirmation was received that Ifunanya had been pronounced dead.
Back at the hospital, her lifeless body lay on the bed as friends, choir members, and loved ones gathered in grief. Tears, prayers, and anguish filled the emergency ward as the reality of the loss set in.
Further findings revealed that Ifunanya was bitten on the wrist while asleep in her bed between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. She reportedly ran out to seek help immediately. Neighbours tied her hand to slow the spread of venom and encouraged her to get to the hospital.
A neighbour attempted to assist with a vehicle, but it failed to start. Determined, Ifunanya ran approximately 500 metres to the estate gate, took a motorcycle to Divine Health Hospital in Lugbe, Abuja, but was referred onward after the hospital confirmed it had no antivenom.
She then booked a ride to FMC. During the journey, around 9:40 a.m., she contacted family members, friends, and members of the Amemuso Choir to inform them of her condition. A screenshot of her final message has since circulated online.
Throughout the ordeal, her father, Mr. Nwangene, was kept informed. Following her passing, arrangements were made to transport her body to Enugu.
Her remains were deposited at the mortuary, embalmed, and prepared for transportation. The Board President of AMEMUSO, Dr. Dayo Benjamins Laniyi (DBL), who also serves as the Mandate Secretary for Women and Children, FCT, was present during the process.
Ifunanya’s body was later placed in a white body bag and transported in an ambulance to Guardian Angel Catholic Chapel, Lugbe, where the Assistant Parish Priest, Fr. Stephen Biodun, offered prayers and blessed her remains.
As the ambulance departed, it left behind grieving choristers, musicians, and friends—silent, shattered, and heartbroken.
Subsequent investigation involved a snake handler who inspected her residence. A medium-sized cobra was found inside her room, another smaller snake near her doormat, and a third in a nearby compound. Experts concluded that the cobra was responsible for the fatal bite.
The tragic death of Ifunanya has left the gospel music community and her loved ones devastated, raising renewed concerns about emergency preparedness and access to life-saving medical supplies.