Nigerian footballer Abubakar Lawal dies after falling from Kampala Mall

Ugandan police have launched an investigation into the death of Nigerian footballer Abubakar Lawal, who fell from a shopping mall balcony in Kampala on Monday.

The 29-year-old striker, who played for Vipers SC, reportedly fell from the third floor of Voicemall Shopping Arcade in the early hours of the morning.

According to authorities, he 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 retrieving CCTV footage and conducting thorough interrogations to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident,” police said in a statement.

Vipers SC expressed shock and grief over the tragedy, stating: “We are deeply saddened to announce the sudden and untimely passing of our beloved player, Abubakar Lawal, who left us this morning.” The club extended its condolences to Lawal’s family, fans, and loved ones during this difficult time.

Lawal had been a key striker for Vipers SC since July 2022, following a two-year spell with AS Kigali in Rwanda.