Police Probe Tragic Death of Vipers Star & Nigerian Footballer Abubakar Lawal

Kajjansi — Kajjansi Police Division is currently investigating the tragic death of Nigerian national Abubakar Lawal, a professional footballer for Vipers Sports Club, who allegedly fell from the third floor of Voicemall Shopping Arcade in Kajjansi on the morning of February 24, 2025.

Preliminary reports suggest that Lawal, who had arrived at the mall in his vehicle with registration number UBQ 695G, went to meet his friend, Omary Naima, a Tanzanian national residing in room 416 of the arcade since February 20, 2025. Naima told authorities that she left Lawal in the room, preparing tea, before heading to a game centre within the mall.

Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, said that around 8:00 AM, Lawal was reported to have fallen from the balcony. He was immediately rushed to Entebbe Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

“Items belonging to the deceased, including two smartphones, a pair of open shoes, headsets, a training kit, and chargers, were found in his black backpack.”

Owoyesigyire said the investigation is ongoing, with authorities retrieving CCTV footage from the mall and conducting further interrogations to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

While details remain unclear, police are working to establish whether the fall was accidental, intentional, or the result of foul play.

Lawal’s passing has sent shockwaves through the Ugandan football community, with tributes pouring in from his club, Vipers SC, and the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA).

Vipers SC took to social media to honour the late footballer, describing him as a “unique person” with a “big heart of gold.” The club expressed deep sorrow at his passing, with a heartfelt message reading: “He was incredibly generous, had a beautiful soul, and we will miss him so much.”

FUFA President Moses Magogo also paid tribute, stating, “Lawal’s immense contribution to Ugandan football will never be forgotten, particularly his pivotal role in Vipers SC’s historic league and Uganda Cup domestic double triumph in the 2022/23 season.”

Lawal, originally from Sokoto, Nigeria, was highly regarded for his professionalism and contributions to the sport, leaving a lasting impact on both his team and the broader football community in Uganda.