A Nigerian family is demanding transparency from Ethiopian Airlines following the death of their mother during a flight from Abuja to Washington DC, United States, on January 19, 2026.
The bereaved family, which has chosen to remain anonymous, has accused the carrier of refusing to provide adequate information about the circumstances leading to the woman’s death aboard the aircraft.
In a video appeal circulated on the social media platform X, one of the deceased’s daughters claimed her mother was in good health before boarding flight ET 950, dismissing suggestions that any pre-existing medical condition contributed to her death.
“This woman boarded Ethiopian Airlines on January 19, 2026, from Abuja to Washington DC but died inside the plane. The family has contacted the airline to know the circumstances surrounding her death because she was not sick, but the airline has refused to speak with the family,” she stated.
The distressed daughter urged passengers who were on the same flight to come forward with any information, providing an email address—[email protected]—for contact.
She further alleged that airline personnel who rendered first aid to her mother during the flight had been instructed not to communicate with the family regarding the incident.
“Even airline officials who administered first aid to her on the plane have told us that he has been warned not to speak with the family or anyone on the development,” she added.
The family’s appeal has sparked public outcry, with numerous Nigerians calling on aviation authorities and the airline to ensure full disclosure of events leading to the passenger’s death.
Responding to the matter, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority confirmed it was monitoring the situation closely.
The NCAA spokesman, Michael Achimugu, stated that the regulatory body was engaging both the bereaved family and the airline to ensure a thorough investigation.
“The NCAA is aware of this case. We are in touch with the family of the deceased as well as the airline. The Ethiopians have submitted their report, and we are waiting for some reports from the family,” Achimugu explained.
He added, “We speak with the family almost daily (we already spoke today), and we are committed to ensuring that full closure is achieved.”
Efforts to reach Ethiopian Airlines’ communication strategist, Ikechi Uko, proved unsuccessful.
He indicated he was boarding a flight and would respond shortly but had not returned calls as of the time of filing this report.