Remilekun’s Death: NiDCOM Demands Justice From Egypt Air

By Caroline Ameh

The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has expressed deep concern over the non-responsive stance of Egypt Air Management in the tragic death of Ms. Remilekun Toyosi Meshioye, a Nigerian national who passed away aboard an Egypt Air flight on September 4, 2023. Dabiri-Erewa has formally demanded justice from the airline.

In a personal letter signed by Dabiri-Erewa and delivered by the Commission’s Head of Media and Public Relations, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, to Mr. Majdi Al Aridi, the General Manager of Egypt Air in their Abuja office, the incident was described as “sad and painful.”

Ms. Remilekun’s case was brought to the attention of NIDCOM through a petition sent by her elder sister, Mrs. Olufunmilola Olaniyi-Alabi, based in the United Kingdom, on behalf of the family.

Since the tragic incident occurred on the flight from Lagos to Cairo, Egypt Air’s management has not made any attempt to contact the family or her next of kin, as indicated in her travel documents before boarding the aircraft.

Dabiri-Erewa stated, “It is surprising that Egypt Air’s management has not deem it fit to contact any members of Remilekun’s family to inform them of this tragic news or to offer condolences. Furthermore, they have not responded to NIDCOM’s petition since September 13, 2023.”

The Commission, on behalf of the family and the Federal Government of Nigeria, is demanding full disclosure regarding the circumstances that led to Ms. Remilekun Toyosi Meshioye’s sudden death aboard Egypt Air flight MS 876 on September 4, 2023.

Dabiri-Erewa has personally expressed her condolences to the grieving family and assured them that justice will be served in memory of Remilekun.

Remilekun Toyosi Meshioye, aged 41, was en route to London to resume her studies when the unfortunate incident occurred. She had departed from Lagos on Egypt Air MS 876 flight to Cairo on September 4, 2023, via Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA). Tragically, she fell ill on board and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Cairo International Airport.

The family was not informed by the airline but received a notification from the Nigerian consular office in Cairo regarding her in-flight passing. In their plea, the family is seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding Remilekun’s death and assistance in repatriating her remains to Nigeria for a dignified burial, as well as the return of her belongings held by the airline.