Uganda probes death of Nigerian footballer in shopping mall
Vipers Sports Club/XPolice in Uganda are investigating the death of a Nigerian professional footballer who allegedly fell from a shopping mall in the capital, Kampala.
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.
They said Lawal's friend, identified as Omary Naima, had left him in her room - which is part of the mall building - preparing tea before the incident happened.
Lawal was a striker playing for local team Vipers Sports Club, which has expressed its sadness for the "untimely passing of our beloved player".
Tributes have been flowing in for the Nigerian forward, fondly known as "Man from Sokoto".
He has been with Vipers since July 2022 after a two-year stint with AS Kigali in Rwanda.
In 2023, he helped Vipers win the league and cup double. In a post on X, 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."
His former team in Nigeria, Nasarawa United, said: "We mourn the sudden demise of our ex-player Abubakar Lawal earlier today. May God grant him eternal rest."
Ugandan footballer Mustafa Kizza said he would be forever missed: "It's hard to take in that you're no more Lawal A kind, talented, jolly, and loving person you have been."
Local media say the matter has left more questions than answers amid conflicting reports over the circumstances of Lawal's death.
Some media initially reported that he had died in a motorcycle accident.
As a result of such "contrary information", Nigeria's authorities should probe the incident, Nigerian international Ahmed Musa said on social media.
He added: "Lawal's soul deserves a thorough investigation and justice must be served if anyone is found guilty."
Police in Uganda said they were already investigating the exact circumstances of the death.
"Authorities are retrieving CCTV footage and conducting thorough interrogations to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident," police said.
The police have retrieved some items belonging to the deceased player, including two smartphones, shoes, headsets and a training kit.
"Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses," the police added.
You may also be interested in:
Getty Images/BBCGo to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.
Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica