The death of Abubakar Lawal, a 29-year-old striker for Uganda's Vipers Sports Club, has raised questions as police conduct an investigation into the incident that occurred at Voicemall Shopping Arcade in Kampala.
Investigating the Tragic Death of Nigerian Footballer in Uganda
Investigating the Tragic Death of Nigerian Footballer in Uganda
Authorities in Uganda are examining the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of a Nigerian footballer who fell from a shopping mall.
Police in Uganda have initiated an investigation into the mysterious death of a Nigerian professional footballer, Abubakar Lawal, who reportedly fell from a third-floor balcony of the Voicemall Shopping Arcade in Kampala. The incident occurred as Lawal, 29, was visiting a Tanzanian friend at her residence in the mall. After the fall, he was quickly transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.
According to the police, Lawal's friend, identified as Omary Naima, had briefly left him in her room to prepare tea just before the tragic incident took place. Lawal was a prominent striker for Vipers Sports Club, a local football team, which expressed deep sorrow over the unexpected loss of their "beloved player."
The football community has been paying tribute to Lawal, who joined Vipers in July 2022 following a two-year period with AS Kigali in Rwanda. The club described him as a "unique person" with a "heart of gold" who went above and beyond to help others. His former team in Nigeria, Nasarawa United, also shared their condolences, saying, "We mourn the sudden demise of our ex-player Abubakar Lawal earlier today. May God grant him eternal rest."
Tributes have continued to pour in from fellow athletes, with Ugandan footballer Mustafa Kizza expressing disbelief at Lawal's passing, calling him "a kind, talented, jolly, and loving person."
The investigation into the events surrounding Lawal's death has been complicated by various conflicting reports, including some that inaccurately claimed he died in a motorcycle accident. Police have stated that they are in the process of retrieving CCTV footage and conducting thorough investigations to clarify the circumstances leading to the fatal fall. Items belonging to the deceased, such as smartphones, footwear, headsets, and training gear, have also been collected by authorities as part of their inquiry.
Authorities have promised to provide updates on the investigation as more information becomes available.
