Police in Uganda are looking into the death of Abubakar Lawal, a Nigerian professional footballer who allegedly fell from a shopping mall in the capital, Kampala.
29-year-old Lawal reportedly fell from a third-floor balcony at the Voicemall Shopping Arcade while visiting a Tanzanian friend. He was rushed to the hospital and pronounced dead, according to authorities.
They stated Lawal’s friend, Omary Naima, had left him in her mall-building room to prepare tea before the incident occurred.
Lawal was a striker for local team Vipers Sports Club, which has expressed regret over the “untimely passing of our beloved player”.
Tributes have poured in for the footballer, who has been with Vipers since July 2022, following a two-year stint with AS Kigali in Rwanda.
In 2023, he helped Vipers capture the league and cup titles.
The club said, “Lawal (Man from Sokoto) was a unique person. He had a big heart of gold. He really cared about people and went out of his way to help. He was incredibly generous.”.
“We mourn the sudden demise of our ex-player Abubakar Lawal earlier today. May God grant him eternal rest,” his former team in Nigeria, Nasarawa United, said.
“It’s hard to take in that you’re no more, Lawal. A kind, talented, jolly, and loving person you have been. You will forever be missed, bro,” said Ugandan footballer Mustafa Kizza.
According to local media, the case has raised more questions than answers, with contradicting stories on the circumstances surrounding his death.
Some media outlets first stated that he died in a motorcycle accident.
Police stated the specific circumstances of the death were under investigation.
“Authorities are retrieving CCTV footage and conducting thorough interrogations to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident,” police said.
The authorities have retrieved some of the deceased player’s belongings, including two iPhones, shoes, headphones, and a training kit.
