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Police in Uganda are investigating the death of a Nigerian professional footballer who allegedly fell from a shopping mall in the capital, Kampala.<\/p>\n
Abubakar Lawal, 29, reportedly fell from a third-floor balcony at the Voicemall Shopping Arcade, where he had gone to visit a Tanzanian friend. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead, the police said.<\/p>\n
They said Lawal’s friend, identified as Omary Naima, had left him in her room \u2013 which is part of the mall building – preparing tea before the incident happened.<\/p>\n
Lawal was a striker playing for local team Vipers Sports Club, which has expressed its sadness for the “untimely passing of our beloved player”.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Tributes have been flowing in for the footballer, who has been with Vipers since July 2022 after a two-year stint with AS Kigali in Rwanda.<\/p>\n
In 2023, he helped Vipers win the league and cup double.<\/p>\n
The club said “Lawal (Man from Sokoto) was a unique person. He had a big heart of gold. He really cared about people and went out of his way to help. He was incredibly generous”.<\/p>\n
“We mourn the sudden demise of our ex-player Abubakar Lawal earlier today. May God grant him eternal rest,” his former team in Nigeria, Nasarawa United, said.<\/p>\n
“It’s hard to take in that you’re no more Lawal A kind, talented, jolly, and loving person you have been. You will forever be missed bro,” said Ugandan footballer Mustafa Kizza.<\/p>\n
Local media say the matter has left more questions than answers amid conflicting reports of the circumstances of Lawal’s death.<\/p>\n
Some media initially reported that he had died in a motorcycle accident.<\/p>\n
Police said the exact circumstances of the death were being investigated.<\/p>\n
“Authorities are retrieving CCTV footage and conducting thorough interrogations to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident,” police said.<\/p>\n
The police have retrieved some items belonging to the deceased player, including two smartphones, shoes, headsets and training kit.<\/p>\n
“Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses,” the police added.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n