Ugandan police have launched an investigation into the tragic death of Nigerian footballer Abubakar Lawal, who reportedly fell from a shopping mall balcony in Kampala.
The 29-year-old striker, who played for Ugandan top-flight club Vipers SC, fell from the third floor of the Voicemall Shopping Arcade early Monday morning, authorities confirmed.
According to the police, Lawal had been visiting a Tanzanian friend staying in one of the residential apartments within the mall. The friend informed investigators that she had left him alone shortly before the fatal incident.
“Kajjansi Police Division is investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Nigerian national Abubakar Lawal,” Ugandan police stated via social media. Authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage and conducting interviews to determine the exact cause of the incident.
Lawal’s club, Vipers SC, expressed their grief in a statement, saying, “We are deeply saddened to announce the sudden and untimely passing of our beloved player, Abubakar Lawal, who left us this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lawal’s family, club fans, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Lawal had been with Vipers SC since July 2022, following a two-year stint with Rwandan club AS Kigali. His body has been transferred to a medical facility for a postmortem examination, with funeral arrangements yet to be announced.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death are ongoing.
