Uganda Police have clarified that Nigerian footballer Abubakar Lawal died after falling from a building, contrary to earlier reports claiming he was involved in a traffic accident, writes Nigeriasoccernet.com.
According to a statement released by the Uganda Police (via independent.co.ug), initial reports on Monday suggested that Lawal, who played for Vipers SC in the Ugandan Premier League after joining from AS Kigali in 2022, lost his life in a road accident while on his way to training.
However, authorities have now dismissed that claim, confirming that the former Kano Pillars, Wikki Tourists, and Nasarawa United forward fell from the third floor of Voicemall Shopping Arcade on February 24, 2025.
Police Statement on the Incident
The police report detailed the events leading up to Lawal’s tragic fall:
“Kajjansi Police Division is investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Nigerian national Abubakar Lawal, a professional footballer at Vipers SC, who allegedly fell from the third floor of Voicemall Shopping Arcade on the morning of February 24, 2025.
Preliminary reports indicate that Lawal arrived at the shopping mall in his vehicle, registration number UBQ 695G, to meet his friend, Omary Naima, a Tanzanian national residing in room 416 since February 20, 2025.
According to Naima, she left Lawal in the room preparing tea and proceeded to a game center within the mall. Shortly after, at approximately 8:00 AM, Lawal reportedly fell from the balcony. He was rushed to Entebbe Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Items belonging to the deceased, including two smartphones, a pair of open shoes, headsets, a training kit, and chargers, were recovered from his black backpack.
As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities are retrieving CCTV footage and conducting thorough interrogations to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.”
Ongoing Investigation
The authorities are currently reviewing surveillance footage and gathering witness statements to clarify whether Lawal’s fall was accidental or if foul play was involved.
His untimely death has sent shockwaves through the Ugandan football community, as well as in Nigeria, where he previously played for several NPFL clubs.
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