Nigerian Woman, 23, Dies in Libya After Illness; Family Allegedly Demands Her Belongings

A 23-year-old Nigerian woman, Osarugbe, has died in Libya after battling a critical illness, with reports alleging that her family abandoned her during her most vulnerable moments but later demanded her belongings.

Osarugbe passed away at around 11:33 a.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025. Anti-human trafficking advocate Yakubu Oyiza, who had been working to bring her back to Nigeria for medical care, confirmed the sad development.

According to Oyiza, several hospitals in Libya declined to treat the young woman, prompting efforts by her team to raise funds and arrange her return to Nigeria. However, Oyiza claims the family refused to travel to Kano to receive her when a return flight was arranged.

“We had already begun processing her documents for autopsy, burial, and land for her resting place here in Libya, costing about ₦350,000,” she stated.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, April 5, Oyiza revealed that despite the family’s earlier lack of involvement, some relatives have since contacted her team to ask for Osarugbe’s belongings.

“Since I informed the family that Osarugbe passed away, I’ve received no follow-up call asking how we’re doing or how she’ll be laid to rest,” Oyiza wrote. “But they’ve called asking about her properties, even while we’re still planning her burial.”

She added, “It’s heartbreaking. Many of these young women flee to Libya because something is chasing them back home. I’m devastated.”

The incident has sparked concern over the plight of Nigerian migrants in Libya, particularly women, and the lack of support many face from both home and abroad in times of crisis.