Vipers SC President Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa has confirmed that he will personally cover all expenses related to the repatriation of Abubakar Lawal’s body to Nigeria and will continue paying the late player’s salary to his family for the next six months.
Mulindwa made the announcement during a prayer service at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, where he spoke about the challenges involved in transporting Lawal’s body back to his hometown in Sokoto.
“Repatriating a body from one country to another is not easy. It requires numerous documents and processes, which is why, in some cases, it takes months. But I am happy that in the last two days, a lot has been done,” he said.
Lawal’s body is set to be flown out on Sunday, February 30. Given the logistical challenges, Vipers SC has had to charter a special flight from Lagos to Sokoto, a costly but necessary measure to ensure a dignified farewell for their fallen star.
“Lawal was from Sokoto, which is 984 kilometers from Lagos. Most flights from Entebbe go to Lagos, but transporting a body beyond that is a challenge because domestic flights are not licensed for such purposes,” Mulindwa explained.
Beyond repatriation, the Vipers president has also pledged financial support to Lawal’s family.
“We are going to be paying the family for the next six months the equivalent of what Lawal has been getting,” Mulindwa confirmed.
The gesture underscores the strong bond Lawal had with the club, which he served with unwavering commitment until his untimely passing.
His deep love for Vipers was evident when he turned down offers from other clubs, choosing instead to remain and fight for another trophy.
Lawal’s impact at Vipers extended beyond his presence in the squad. Since joining the club in July 2022 from AS Kigali, he played a crucial role in Vipers’ dominance, helping them secure a domestic double in the 2022/23 season.
His versatility and attacking prowess were instrumental in key moments, including his historic goal against Raja Casablanca in the CAF Champions League; the first-ever group-stage goal in the club’s history.
