NiDCOM Calls for Investigation into Suspicious Death of Nigerian Footballer Abubakar Lawal
NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa has deemed Abubakar Lawal’s death in Uganda as suspicious. The ex-footballer, formerly with Vipers SC, reportedly fell from a shopping mall balcony. NiDCOM calls for a thorough investigation into the case amid conflicting reports and concerns raised by former teammate Ahmed Musa.
The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has characterized 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 incident, as reported by The PUNCH.
Lawal’s passing was confirmed by both his football club and the Ugandan Police on Monday. Initial statements indicated that he died following a motorcycle accident; however, further police reports indicated he allegedly fell from a shopping mall balcony in Kampala, the capital of Uganda.
According to the Uganda Police’s announcement, Lawal had arrived at the mall to meet his friend, Omary Naima, a Tanzanian national. Lawal reportedly left his vehicle at the mall, where shortly after, and while Naima was in another part of the mall, he fell from the balcony at approximately 8:00 AM and was later pronounced dead at Entebbe Referral Hospital.
Amid the controversy surrounding his death and following calls for clarity from various quarters, including Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa, Ms. Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the urgency of the situation. She highlighted the existence of conflicting reports, which raise concerns about the circumstances of Lawal’s death, and she has been in communication with Nigerian authorities and the Nigeria Football Federation about the matter.
The Nigerian Embassy in Uganda has also acted swiftly upon learning of Lawal’s demise. Ambassador Shama Shanga has been coordinating with local authorities to demand a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the player’s death, as confirmed by Ms. Dabiri-Erewa in her statements to The PUNCH.
“This is pathetic and appears suspicious. We demand a thorough investigation. No cover-up at all. This is so sad. NiDCOM will ensure and demand a thorough and transparent investigation. May his soul RIP and God give the family the fortitude to bear this loss,” she stated while addressing Ahmed Musa’s concerns on X.
In summary, the death of Abubakar Lawal has sparked serious concerns requiring an exhaustive investigation due to conflicting reports surrounding the incident. NiDCOM, under the leadership of Abike Dabiri-Erewa, is actively advocating for a transparent inquiry into the circumstances of his death, which is seen as suspicious by many, including his former teammates and Nigerian officials.
Original Source: punchng.com
