Fresh details have emerged regarding the tragic passing of Vipers SC forward Abubakar Lawal, with police investigations revealing a different account from initial reports.
Earlier reports suggested that the 29-year-old Nigerian footballer had died following a motorcycle accident on his way to training. However, police have since stated that Lawal allegedly fell from the third floor of Voicemall Shopping Arcade in Kampala on the morning of February 24, 2025.
According to police, Lawal had arrived at the shopping mall in his vehicle, registration number UBQ 695G, to visit his friend, Omary Naima, a Tanzanian national residing in room 416 since February 20. Naima told authorities that she left Lawal in the room preparing tea and went to a game center within the mall. Shortly after, at around 8:00 AM, Lawal reportedly fell from the balcony. He was rushed to Entebbe Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Authorities recovered Lawal’s personal belongings, including two smartphones, a pair of open shoes, headsets, a training kit, and chargers, from his black backpack. Investigations are ongoing, with police retrieving CCTV footage and conducting interrogations to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
Vipers SC confirmed Lawal’s passing in an official statement, expressing their profound sorrow.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the sudden and untimely passing of our beloved player, Abubakar Lawal, who left us this morning,” the club said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). “His body has been transferred to a medical facility for postmortem examination. Funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.”
Lawal last played for Vipers SC on February 16, helping his team secure a 2-0 victory over Kampala City. Since joining the club in 2022 from Rwanda’s SC Kigali, he had been a key part of the squad. Before that, he played in the Nigerian Premier League for Kano Pillars FC, Wikki Tourists FC, and Nasarawa United.
As fans, teammates, and football officials mourn his passing, police have assured the public that further updates will be provided as investigations continue.
