FG demands probes into death of Nigerian footballer in Uganda

• The Nigerian government vowed to ensure a transparent process to uncover the truth behind the footballer’s death
  

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The Federal Government has called for a full investigation into 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 that there must be no cover-up.

She said, “This is so sad! We demand a thorough investigation. The Nigerian government will ensure a transparent process to uncover the truth.

“May his soul rest in peace, and may God give the family the fortitude to bear this loss,” she added.

The Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to Uganda, Ambassador Shama Shanga, has also demanded a full autopsy and a comprehensive probe into the circumstances surrounding Lawal’s death.

According to the Kajjansi Police Division in Uganda, an investigation is underway after the footballer, who played for Vipers Sports Club, allegedly fell from the third floor of Voicemall Shopping Arcade on the morning of February 24, 2025.

Preliminary findings revealed that 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 claimed she left Lawal, who was also a final-year student at Cavendish University, in the room preparing tea and went to a game centre within the mall.

Shortly after, at around 8:00 a.m., Lawal reportedly fell from the balcony.

He was rushed to Entebbe Referral Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Authorities have recovered several of Lawal’s personal belongings, including two smartphones, a pair of open shoes, headsets, a training kit and chargers from his black backpack.

As part of the ongoing investigation, police are reviewing CCTV footage and conducting thorough interrogations to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.