Abubakar Lawal, a former Nigerian junior international and player for Vipers SC in Uganda, died under suspicious circumstances. NiDCOM’s Chairperson, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, is urging a thorough investigation into the incident, which was initially reported as a motorcycle accident before police indicated he fell from a shopping mall balcony. Calls for transparency and justice have been made by fellow athletes and officials.
The Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has labeled the death of former Nigerian junior international player, Abubakar Lawal, as suspicious. NiDCOM is calling for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident, which has captured the attention of the Nigerian community, including fellow athletes such as Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa. Lawal was affiliated with Vipers SC in Uganda.
Lawal’s death was reported by both his football club and Ugandan Police, with initial claims suggesting a motorcycle accident. However, subsequent statements from the police indicated that he apparently fell from a shopping mall balcony in Kampala. Lawal was said to have arrived at the mall in his vehicle to meet a friend shortly before the incident occurred.
According to police reports, Lawal was left in a hotel room while his friend went to a game center. It was at approximately 8:00 AM that Lawal reportedly fell from the balcony and was taken to Entebbe Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Nigerian Embassy in Uganda quickly got involved following the news, with Ambassador Shama Shanga pressing local authorities for a thorough investigation.
Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the need for clarity amidst conflicting reports regarding Lawal’s death. She expressed her grief and stated, “This is pathetic and appears suspicious. We demand a thorough investigation. No cover-up at all. This is so sad.” She reassured that NiDCOM will pursue justice for Lawal in collaboration with the Nigerian government and the Nigerian Football Federation (
NFF).
Lawal was 29 years old, having transitioned from Wikki Tourists to Nasarawa United in 2019, then to As Kigali in 2020, and later joining Vipers SC. The unfolding details of his untimely death have raised serious concerns among his compatriots, who are urging for a transparent inquiry into the matter.
The case of Abubakar Lawal’s death has raised significant concerns about the circumstances surrounding the incident. NiDCOM is committed to advocating for a thorough investigation, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. As calls for justice grow, it is imperative that both Nigerian and Ugandan authorities collaborate to resolve the matter. Lawal’s passing is deeply mourned by the football community.
Original Source: punchng.com
