The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called for a full investigation into the death of former Nigeria junior international and Vipers SC of Uganda player, Abubakar Lawal, describing the circumstances as suspicious.
Lawal’s tragic passing was announced on Monday by his club and the Ugandan police. Initial reports claimed he died in a motorcycle accident, but police later issued a statement saying he allegedly fell from the balcony of a shopping mall in Kampala, the Ugandan capital.
According to the Ugandan police, Lawal had arrived at the shopping mall in his vehicle, with registration number UBQ 695G, to meet his friend, Omary Naima, a Tanzanian national residing in room 416 since February 20, 2025.
“Naima stated that she left Lawal in the room preparing tea and proceeded to a game center within the mall. Shortly after, around 8:00 AM, Lawal reportedly fell from the balcony. He was rushed to Entebbe Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead,” the police report read.
In the wake of the shocking news, Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa, who was once Lawal’s teammate, joined the call for an investigation, expressing doubts about the conflicting reports.
“The contradicting reports suggest something suspicious about his demise. I have contacted the Nigerian authorities and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), urging them to investigate and collaborate with the Ugandan government to ensure justice for Lawal,” Musa said.
Dabiri-Erewa assured Nigerians that NiDCOM was closely monitoring the situation and working with the Nigerian Embassy in Uganda to seek answers.
“The Nigerian Embassy in Uganda was informed immediately and actively engaged with the authorities. Ambassador Shama Shanga has demanded a comprehensive investigation,” Dabiri-Erewa told the media.
“This is a tragic and suspicious case. We demand a transparent investigation with no cover-ups. NiDCOM will ensure that justice is pursued. May Lawal’s soul rest in peace, and may God grant his family the strength to bear this painful loss,” she added in response to Musa’s concerns on X.
Lawal, 29, began his career at Wikki Tourists before joining Nasarawa United in 2019. In 2020, he moved to Rwanda to play for AS Kigali and later signed with Ugandan club Vipers SC, where he played before his untimely death.
