NiDCOM Demands Investigation into Abubakar Lawal’s Suspicious Death in Uganda
The Chairman of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, is calling for an investigation into the suspicious death of Abubakar Lawal, a Nigerian footballer in Uganda. Initial reports claimed he died in a motorcycle accident, later stating he fell from a mall balcony. Authorities are collaborating to resolve the conflicting details surrounding his death.
The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has expressed concern over the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of Abubakar Lawal, a former Nigerian junior international and player for Vipers SC in Uganda. Following reports of his passing, she emphasized that NiDCOM would advocate for a comprehensive investigation into the matter, as reported by The PUNCH.
The announcement of Lawal’s death came from both his club and Ugandan authorities. Initial inquiries revealed conflicting reports about the cause of his demise; initially considered a motorcycle accident, new information suggested that he fell from a shopping mall’s balcony in Kampala, Uganda’s capital.
According to the Ugandan Police, Lawal had arrived at the mall in his vehicle to meet a friend, Omary Naima, a Tanzanian national. Naima reported leaving Lawal in their hotel room while preparing tea. Shortly after she departed for a game center, Lawal allegedly fell from the balcony around 8:00 AM.
In response to the situation, there have been widespread calls for justice, including statements from Nigerian footballers and fans alike. Chairman Dabiri-Erewa confirmed her active collaboration with both the Nigerian authorities and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to ensure a thorough investigation, given the suspicious nature of the incident.
Ambassador Shama Shanga has already engaged with Ugandan authorities on behalf of the Nigerian Embassy, reinforcing the necessity for a transparent inquiry. Dabiri-Erewa indicated the urgent need for truth and accountability, stating that there should be “no cover-up” regarding Lawal’s tragic death.
Lawal, aged 29, had started his football career with Wikki Tourists, transferring to Nasarawa United in 2019, and later moving to As Kigali in Rwanda prior to joining Vipers SC in Uganda. His sudden death has evoked deep sadness across the Nigerian football community.
In summary, the death of Abubakar Lawal raised serious concerns within the Nigerian community and heightened the demand for justice through a thorough investigation. The NiDCOM Chairman’s response highlights the discordance in reports surrounding Lawal’s death, reinforcing calls from fellow athletes and diplomatic channels for clarity and accountability. The active involvement of both the Nigerian and Ugandan authorities underscores the seriousness of this case and the commitment to uncover the truth.
Original Source: punchng.com
