Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it has made contact with the Nigeria High Commission in Ugandan to provide answers on the cause of death of Nigeria footballer, Abubakar Lawal in Kampala, Uganda.
Lawal died on Tuesday and there are conflicting reports about the cause of death. Some reports stated that he plunged to his death from the third floor of a shopping mall in the Ugandan capital city, while others said he died in motorbike accident.
“The ministry has been in contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Kampala, Uganda, which is collaborating with local authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding his untimely death.
“We are committed to ensuring a thorough and transparent investigation, including an autopsy to verify the cause of death.
“The ministry has also directed the High Commission in Kampala to provide all necessary consular support to the family and ensure that justice is served,” said a statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Yusuf Tuggar.
The statement signed by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry, described Lawal’s death as a great loss to Nigeria.
“In this moment of grief, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, teammates, and the entire Nigerian football community during this difficult time.,”
Lawal, a former Nigerian Under-20 international footballer, was playing for Vipers Football Club in Uganda and was also a final-year Business Administration student at Cavendish University at the time of his death.
Tuggar emphasised Nigeria’s strong bilateral relations with Uganda, expressing confidence that Ugandan authorities would handle the matter with utmost seriousness and sensitivity.
