Police are working to unravel the details surrounding the death of Abubakar Lawal, a player for Vipers Sports Club, as tributes pour in from the football community.
Mysterious Death of Nigerian Footballer in Kampala Sparks Investigation
Mysterious Death of Nigerian Footballer in Kampala Sparks Investigation
Authorities in Uganda are scrutinizing the sudden death of a Nigerian footballer who reportedly fell from a shopping mall balcony.
Police in Uganda have launched an investigation into the tragic death of Abubakar Lawal, a 29-year-old Nigerian professional footballer, after he allegedly fell from a third-floor balcony at the Voicemall Shopping Arcade in Kampala. Lawal was visiting a Tanzanian friend, Omary Naima, when the incident occurred. Following the fall, he was rushed to the hospital but unfortunately pronounced dead upon arrival.
According to reports, Naima had left Lawal in her room, which is located within the mall, to prepare some tea before the fatal incident took place. Lawal was widely known as a striker for the Vipers Sports Club, a team he joined in July 2022 after completing a two-year stint with AS Kigali in Rwanda. The Vipers Club expressed deep sorrow over the "untimely passing of our beloved player," praising him as "a unique person" with a generous heart who prioritized helping others.
Tributes have flooded in from fellow players and organizations, conveying their shock at Lawal's sudden death. His former Nigerian team, Nasarawa United, lamented, “We mourn the sudden demise of our ex-player Abubakar Lawal earlier today. May God grant him eternal rest.” Ugandan footballer Mustafa Kizza reflected on Lawal's character, saying, "It’s hard to take in that you’re no more. A kind, talented, jolly, and loving person you have been. You will forever be missed, bro."
Conflicting reports regarding the cause of Lawal's death have left local media and the community in disbelief, with some initially speculating a possible motorcycle accident. However, police confirmed they are investigating the precise circumstances and have started retrieving CCTV footage and conducting thorough interviews to clarify the incident.
In the course of their investigation, police have collected various personal items belonging to Lawal, including smartphones, shoes, headsets, and training equipment. They assured the public that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
