Investigation Demanded into Death of Nigerian Footballer Abubakar Lawal in Uganda
NiDCOM is investigating the suspicious death of Abubakar Lawal, a Nigerian football player in Uganda, who was reported to have fallen from a shopping mall balcony. The circumstances are unclear, with initial reports of a motorcycle accident. Calls for a thorough and transparent investigation have been made by NiDCOM and Nigerian authorities amidst public concern.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has expressed serious concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding the death of Abubakar Lawal, a former Nigerian junior international and player for Vipers SC in Uganda. Following the player’s untimely passing, NiDCOM has called for a thorough investigation into the matter, underscoring the need for clarity amid suspicious reports.
Lawal’s death was confirmed by his football club and the Ugandan police on Monday. Initially, it was reported that he died in a motorcycle accident; however, police later indicated he fell from the balcony of a shopping mall in Kampala, the capital of Uganda. The police reported that Lawal had arrived at the mall in a vehicle and was supposedly left in a room by a friend, Omary Naima.
The police detailed that Naima, a Tanzanian national, was preparing tea for Lawal when she left him briefly to visit a game center. Tragically, it was reported that Lawal fell from the balcony shortly after that. Despite being rushed to Entebbe Referral Hospital, he was pronounced dead.
Amidst public outcry, including remarks from Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa, who was a teammate of the deceased, Dabiri-Erewa stated that NiDCOM is actively addressing the situation. She cited the conflicting accounts surrounding Lawal’s death as indicative of potential foul play. Dabiri-Erewa has reached out to Nigerian authorities and the Nigeria Football Federation to facilitate a thorough investigation in collaboration with the Ugandan government.
She conveyed that the Nigerian embassy in Uganda has been proactive since learning of the incident, with Ambassador Shama Shanga engaging with local authorities for comprehensive inquiry. Dabiri-Erewa expressed that the situation is troubling and requires full transparency: “This is pathetic and appears suspicious. We demand a thorough investigation. No cover-up at all.”
Lawal, aged 29, began his career at Wikki Tourists before transferring to Nasarawa United in 2019, and subsequently joined As Kigali in 2020. After two years in Rwanda, he moved to Vipers in Uganda, where he played until his tragic passing.
In conclusion, the death of Abubakar Lawal has raised significant concerns regarding the circumstances that led to this tragedy. NiDCOM has called for a comprehensive investigation into the matter, given the conflicting reports and perceived irregularities surrounding his death. Both the Nigerian and Ugandan authorities are urged to collaborate in seeking clarity and justice for Lawal’s family.
Original Source: punchng.com
