Details emerge on tragic death of Vipers forward Abubakar Lawal, suicide suspected

Wakiso, (UG):- The Police at Kajjansi Division in Wakiso are investigating the tragic death of Nigerian footballer Abubakar Lawal, a forward for Vipers Sports Club, who allegedly fell from the third floor of Voicemall Shopping Arcade on the morning of Monday, February 24, 2024.

According to the Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) Deputy Spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, preliminary police reports indicate that on the fateful day, Lawal had arrived at the shopping mall in his vehicle, registration number UBQ 695G, to meet his friend, Omary Naima, residing in room 416 since February 20, 2024.

Naima, a Tanzanian national informed investigators that 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,” Owoyesigyire stated in a Monday police statement.

The police recovered several of Lawal’s belongings from his black backpack, including two smartphones, a pair of open shoes, headsets, a training kit, and chargers and said authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage for further investigations into the case.

“As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities are retrieving CCTV footage and conducting thorough interrogations to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident,” the KMP Deputy Publicist stated.

While the circumstances surrounding the fall remain unclear, preliminary investigations have raised suspicions of possible suicide, contrary to earlier reports which pointed to a motor crash incident.