in Abuja

The Federal Government has demanded full investigation of the circumstances surrounding the death of a Nigerian footballer, Abubakar Lawal, in Uganda.

The Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa in a statement signed by the Commission’s spokesman, Abdul-Rahman Balogun said the news of the death of the former Flying Eagles striker  in Uganda was highly disturbing.

Dabiri-Erewa while stating that the death was under highly unclear circumstances, said the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner  in Uganda, Ambassador Shama Shanga, has demanded full autopsy and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident. 

In a statement yesterday, 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 noted that already, the “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, 29,  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. 

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 8:00 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, Ugandan authorities are retrieving CCTV footage and conducting thorough interrogations to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.