Ugandan police announced on Monday that they are investigating the death of Nigerian footballer Abubakar Lawal, who fell from a shopping mall balcony in Kampala.
The 29-year-old striker, who played for local premiership club Vipers, reportedly fell from the third floor of Voicemall Shopping Arcade early Monday morning, according to a police statement.
Lawal had been visiting a Tanzanian friend staying in one of the mall’s residential apartments. The friend told police she had left him alone shortly before the incident occurred.
“Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and conducting thorough interrogations to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident,” the police stated.
Vipers Sports Club expressed their grief in a statement: “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,” the club added.
Lawal had been with Vipers since July 2022 after spending two years with AS Kigali in Rwanda.