Lawal, who played as a forward for Uganda's Vipers SC, tragically passed away on Monday morning. Initial reports suggested he died in a motorcycle accident along Entebbe Road.
The Nigerian government has demanded a full investigation into the death of Nigerian footballer Abubakar Lawal, in Uganda.
Lawal, who played as a forward for Uganda's Vipers SC, tragically passed away on Monday morning. Initial reports suggested he died in a motorcycle accident along Entebbe Road.
However, subsequent police findings indicate he may have fallen from a shopping mall balcony. Authorities are currently investigating the exact circumstances surrounding his death.
The tragic incident reportedly occurred on Monday, February 24, 2025, while the 29-year-old was on his way to a training session.
However, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), in a statement on Tuesday, described the incident as "pathetic and suspicious" and stressed that there must be "no cover-up."
Abike confirmed that the Nigerian Embassy in Uganda has requested a full autopsy and a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding Lawal’s tragic death.
NiDCOM assured that the Nigerian government will closely monitor the investigation to ensure justice is served, according to the statement signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit NiDCOM,
The statement reads in part, "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.
"Kajjansi Police Division say they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Nigerian national Abubakar 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 reports indicate 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 in his final year as a student in the room preparing tea and proceeded to a game center within the mall. Shortly after, at approximately 8:00 am, Lawal reportedly fell from the balcony.
"He was rushed to Entebbe Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
"Items belonging to the deceased, including two smartphones, a pair of open shoes, headsets, a training kit, and chargers, were recovered from his black backpack.
"As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities are retrieving CCTV footage and conducting thorough interrogations to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident."