NiDCOM Calls for Investigation into Suspicious Death of Nigerian Footballer Abubakar Lawal

NiDCOM’s Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa describes the death of Nigerian footballer Abubakar Lawal as suspicious, advocating for a detailed investigation. Lawal reportedly fell from a mall balcony in Uganda shortly after arriving to meet a friend. Both the Nigerian government and the embassy are actively involved in addressing the situation and demanding accountability for his death.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has termed the death of former Nigerian junior international and Vipers SC player, Abubakar Lawal, as suspicious. NiDCOM is advocating for a thorough investigation into this tragic event following the announcement of Lawal’s death by his football club and the Ugandan Police. Initial reports indicated a motorcycle accident; however, police later stated that Lawal allegedly fell from a shopping mall balcony in Kampala.

Details from the Uganda Police revealed that Lawal had arrived at the mall to meet Omary Naima, a Tanzanian resident. Naima reported leaving Lawal in their hotel room to prepare tea while she visited a game center within the mall. It was shortly thereafter—around 8 AM—that Lawal reportedly fell from the balcony, leading to his rushed transport to Entebbe Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

In response to this unfortunate news, calls for justice have been made by colleagues, including Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa. Chairman Dabiri-Erewa confirmed that NiDCOM is actively addressing the situation, highlighting the conflicting accounts surrounding Lawal’s death. She urged the Nigerian government and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to investigate the incident in collaboration with Ugandan authorities.

Furthermore, the Nigerian Embassy in Uganda has taken swift action since being alerted. Ambassador Shama Shanga has engaged with local authorities to demand a comprehensive investigation into Lawal’s demise. Dabiri-Erewa characterized the situation as “pathetic and appears suspicious,” insisting on a transparent investigation to prevent any cover-up.

Lawal, who was 29 at the time of his passing, had a notable football career, transitioning from Wikki Tourists to Nasarawa United in 2019, and then to As Kigali in 2020. After completing two years in Rwanda, he relocated to Uganda and joined Vipers SC. His unexpected death raises significant concerns about safety and the circumstances that led to this tragedy.

Abubakar Lawal’s suspicious death in Uganda has prompted significant concern from both NiDCOM and fellow Nigerian athletes. With conflicting reports surrounding the circumstances of his passing, calls for a thorough investigation have amplified. The involvement of the Nigerian Embassy and the appeal for collaboration with Ugandan authorities emphasize the urgency for transparency and justice in this tragic case.

Original Source: punchng.com