3 medical personnel suspended for causing patient's death due to forgotten surgical scissors in abdomen

Thursday, January 15, 2026 - The Kano State Hospitals Management Board has suspended three medical personnel at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre with immediate effect over alleged professional negligence that led to the death of a patient, Aishatu Umar.

The Board’s Public Relations Officer, Samira Suleiman, confirmed the suspension in a statement made available  on Wednesday.

She said the decision followed a preliminary investigation ordered by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr Mansur Mudi Nagoda, which established that the incident involving the late Aishatu Umar occurred at the facility.

“In line with its commitment to accountability, professionalism and patient safety, the Board has suspended three personnel directly involved in the case from clinical activities with immediate effect,” Suleiman said.

According to her, the case has been formally referred to the Kano State Medical Ethics Committee for further investigation and appropriate disciplinary action in line with existing laws, professional guidelines and ethical standards.

The Board expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased and reassured the public that it would not condone negligence in any form.

It also said it was strengthening internal monitoring mechanisms, enforcing professional standards and taking measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents across state-owned health facilities.

Aishatu Umar reportedly died after what her family described as suspected medical negligence following a surgical procedure carried out at the hospital.

A family member, Mohammed, who shared details of the incident on Facebook, said the deceased, a mother of five, died around 1am on Tuesday after suffering persistent abdominal pain since undergoing surgery at the facility in September 2025.

“She complained of severe abdominal pain for about four months after the surgery,” he said.

Following public outcry over the incident, the Hospitals Management Board on Tuesday ordered an immediate and thorough investigation.

In an earlier statement, the Board disclosed that preliminary findings revealed that surgical scissors were mistakenly left inside the patient’s body after a medical procedure.

It added that the suspension of the affected personnel was part of ongoing efforts to ensure accountability, while investigations continue.