NiDCOM Calls for Investigation into Suspicious Death of Nigerian Footballer
Abubakar Lawal, a former Nigerian junior international, died under suspicious circumstances in Uganda. Initially reported as a motorcycle accident, initial investigations suggest he fell from a mall balcony. NiDCOM, led by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, is advocating for a thorough investigation in connection to his death, raising concerns of possible foul play.
The Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has labeled the death of Abubakar Lawal, a former Nigerian junior international and player for Vipers SC in Uganda, as suspicious. NiDCOM intends to request a thorough investigation into this tragic event. Abubakar Lawal’s death was reported by his football club and Ugandan authorities on Monday, initially attributed to a motorcycle accident before police revised this to an alleged fall from a shopping mall balcony in Kampala.
Reports indicate that Lawal arrived at the mall in a vehicle to visit a friend, identified as Tanzanian national Omary Naima. After leaving Lawal on preparation duties, Naima reportedly went to a game center, and shortly thereafter, Lawal fell from the balcony. He was subsequently rushed to Entebbe Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
In response to the incident, Nigerians, including Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa, have called for justice. NiDCOM’s Abike Dabiri-Erewa stated that the conflicting reports surrounding Lawal’s death raise suspicions. She has contacted both the Nigerian authorities and the Nigeria Football Federation, emphasizing the urgency of investigating the incident in collaboration with Ugandan officials.
The Nigerian Embassy in Uganda has been actively addressing this matter since they were notified. Ambassador Shama Shanga is engaging with local authorities to demand a comprehensive investigation. Dabiri-Erewa described the situation as tragic, stating, “This is pathetic and appears suspicious. We demand a thorough investigation. No cover-up at all.”
Abubakar Lawal, who was 29 years of age at the time of his death, had a football career that included stints at Wikki Tourists and Nasarawa United before moving to Rwanda with As Kigali in 2020, and eventually joining Vipers SC in Uganda. The incident has prompted an outcry for accountability and justice in Lawal’s untimely passing.
The suspicious circumstances surrounding Abubakar Lawal’s death have prompted demands for a thorough investigation from both NiDCOM and the Nigerian Embassy in Uganda. With conflicting reports regarding the incident, the call for justice resonates deeply within the Nigerian community and among former teammates. As the investigations proceed, the hope remains for clarity and accountability in this tragic case.
Original Source: punchng.com
