The Federal Government has demanded a full autopsy and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the mysterious death of Nigerian footballer, Abubakar Lawal in Uganda.
In a press release signed by the Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit at the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abdur-Rahman Balogun on Tuesday, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the incident as “pathetic and suspicious,” stressing the need for a thorough investigation over the sad incident.
In the statement, Dabiri-Erewa stated that, “This is pathetic and appears suspicious. We demand a thorough investigation. No cover-up at all. This is so sad!
“The Nigerian government will ensure and demand a thorough and transparent investigation. May his soul rest in peace and God give the family the fortitude to bear this loss.”, she said.
This comes after the Kajjansi Police Division in Uganda said they were investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Lawal, a professional footballer at Vipers Sports Club, who was claimed to have fallen from the third floor of Voicemall Shopping Arcade on the morning of February 24, 2025
Preliminary findings revealed that Lawal arrived at the shopping mall in his vehicle, registration number UBQ 695G, to meet his friend, Omary Naima, a Tanzanian national residing in room 416 since February 20, 2025.
According to Naima, she left Lawal, who is also a final year student at Cavendish University, in the room preparing tea and proceeded to a game centre within the mall. Shortly after, at approximately 8:00am, Lawal reportedly fell from the balcony.
He was rushed to Entebbe Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities are retrieving CCTV footage and conducting thorough interrogations to establish what led to his death.
