The family of Remilekun Meshioye, a Nigerian student who tragically fell ill and passed away during her flight on Egypt Air, has announced their plans for her burial. The incident occurred after she boarded the flight at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos, with the intention of traveling to London.
Nearly a month after her untimely death, the spokesperson for the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abdur-Rahman Balogun, conveyed via X on Monday that the deceased’s remains will be repatriated to Lagos from Cairo on Wednesday.
Balogun provided details of the burial arrangements, saying, “According to the program being coordinated by her sister, Lola Olaniyi-Alabi, the body will arrive in Lagos on Wednesday, October 18, from Cairo. Subsequently, there will be a service of songs at the Winners Chapel in Ogba, Lagos, on Thursday, October 19, at 4 p.m., followed by the burial at Matori Cemetery, Ladipo, near Oshodi Bus Terminus, Lagos, at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 20.”
Olaniyi-Alabi explained that the family decided to repatriate Meshioye’s body for burial due to Egypt Air’s failure to accept full responsibility for the incident. The family had sent several petitions to Egypt Air and its management, but they have yet to offer condolences or take responsibility for repatriating the deceased’s remains in compliance with international aviation standards. Additionally, Egypt Air’s management has not responded to a letter from NIDCOM seeking clarification on the matter and urging them to take appropriate action on behalf of the grieving family.