Police in Uganda are investigating the death of a Nigerian professional football player who allegedly fell from a shopping mall in the capital, Campal.
Abubakar Lawal, 29, allegedly fell from the third floor balcony on the arcade of Shopping-All, where he went to visit the Tanzanian friend. He was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead, police said.
They said that Lawal’s friend, identified as Omar Naima, left him in his room – which part of the shopping center building – preparing tea before the incident happened.
Lawal was a striker for the local team of Vipers Sports Club, who expressed his sadness for the “intermittent passing of our beloved player.”
They were honored with a football player, who has been with Vipers Club since July 2022. After a two-year stay with Kigali in Rwanda.
Vipers said “Lawal (a man from Sokota) is a unique person. He had a big gold heart. He really took care of people and went out of the way to help. He was incredibly generous.”
“We mourn the sudden decay of our former Abubakar Lawal player earlier today. May God give him an eternal rest,” said his former team in Nigeria, Nasarawa United.
“It’s hard to take over that you are no longer a Lawal kind, talented, cheerful and love person you were. You will forever miss you bro,” said Mustafa Kizza football player.
Local media say the matter has left more questions than answers in the midst of conflicting reports of Lawl’s death circumstances.
Some media reported that he died in a motorcycle accident.
Police said the exact circumstances of death were being investigated.
“The authorities are retrieved by the CCTV shots conducting thorough tests to determine the exact circumstances of the incident,” the police said.
Police pulled out some items belonging to the late player, including two smartphones, shoes, headphones and training kit.
“Further updates will be ensured that the investigation is progressing,” police added.
