The police in Uganda examines the death of a Nigerian professional footballer who was said to have fallen from a shopping center in the capital Kampala.
The 29-year-old Abubakar Lawal reported reportedly from a balcony on the third floor in VoiceMall Shopping Arcade, where he had visited a Tanzanian friend. He was taken to the hospital where he was declared dead, the police said.
They said that Lawal’s girlfriend, who was identified as Omary Naima, had left him in her room – which is part of the shopping center – to prepare tea before the incident.
Lawal was a striker,
The footballer, who has been with Vipers since July 2022 since July 2022, came for the footballer.
In 2023 he helped Vipers to win the double of the league and the cup.
The club said: “Lawal (man from Sokoto) was a unique person. He had a big heart of gold. He really took care of people and did everything to help. He was incredibly generous.”
“Today we mourn the sudden death of our ex-player Abubakar Lawal. May God give him eternal peace,” said his former team in Nigeria, Nasarawa United.
“It is difficult to see that they are no longer a friendly, talented, funny and loving person they have been. They will be missed forever, brother,” said Ugandian footballer Mustafa Kizza.
According to local media, the matter has left more questions than answers in relation to contradictory reports on the circumstances of Lawal’s death.
Some media initially reported that he died in a motorcycle accident.
As a result of this “opposite information”, the authorities in Nigeria should examine the incident, said Nigerian international Ahmed Musa on social media.
He added: “Lawal’s soul deserves a thorough examination and justice, if someone is found to be guilty.”
The police in Uganda said they are already investigating the exact circumstances of death.
“The authorities call out CCTV film material and carry out thorough interrogations to determine the exact circumstances in connection with the incident,” said the police.
The police have accessed some objects of the late player, including two smartphones, shoes, headsets and training kit.
“Further updates are presented in the course of the examination,” added the police.
