The tragic and mysterious death of Nigerian footballer, Abubakar Lawal, has sparked controversy in Uganda, as conflicting reports surround the circumstances of his passing.
Lawal, who played for Vipers Sports Club, was reported to have fallen from the third floor of Voicemail Shopping Arcade in Bwebajja on the morning of February 24, 2025. However, initial reports falsely claimed he died in a motorcycle accident, a claim which Vipers SC has publicly refuted.
In a statement released on the club’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, Vipers confirmed:
“The police report confirms that on Monday morning, Lawal Abubakar fell from the third floor (Room 416) of Voice Mall, Bwebajja, and not from a motorcycle accident as earlier reported. He was rushed to Entebbe Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.”
Conflicting Reports and Rising Suspicion
The contradictions in reports have fueled suspicions of foul play, with authorities intensifying their investigation into what really happened.
Preliminary police reports indicate that Lawal visited Room 416 at the shopping mall, where his friend, Tanzanian national Omary Naima, had been staying since February 20, 2025.
Naima told police that she left Lawal in the room preparing tea before heading to a game center inside the mall. Moments later, at around 8:00 AM, Lawal reportedly fell from the balcony.
Law enforcement officials have since:
🔹 Recovered CCTV footage to piece together events leading up to the fall.
🔹 Collected Lawal’s belongings, including two smartphones, open shoes, headsets, a training kit, and chargers.
🔹 Launched a full-scale investigation, as growing concerns point to the possibility of foul play or negligence.
Repatriation and Funeral Plans
Lawal’s family has requested for his body to be repatriated to Sokoto, Lagos, Nigeria, with Vipers SC committing to covering all expenses.
“For now, we are processing the needed documents to ensure Lawal’s body is returned home for a proper burial,” the club announced.
As part of the mourning process, Vipers SC will hold a special Dua prayer session at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, on Thursday at 4 PM, allowing fans, teammates, and well-wishers to pay their final respects.
The football community in Nigeria and Uganda remains in shock, as calls for a transparent and thorough investigation intensify.
While authorities are yet to confirm an official cause of death, the contradicting reports and Vipers SC’s admission of possible foul play have only deepened speculation. The Ugandan authorities now face mounting pressure to ensure justice and uncover the truth behind Lawal’s tragic demise.
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