Ugandan Police 'silent' over Nigerian Footballer's death

Police in Uganda are under the spotlight as a probe continues following the death of a Nigerian footballer in the Capital City Kampala in late February.

According to the Daily Monitor, Abubakar Lawal who played for Viper FC in the Ugandan top flight died after allegedly falling from the third floor of a hotel in Kampala on 25th February.

He died the following day.

When probed for information regarding the case by the Daily Monitor, Uganda Police Spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma stated Wednesday that he had no update to give on the matter.

"I don't have any updates, he is quoted as saying. The Monitor stated that their calls afterward went unanswered.

According to other reports on the BBC, a Tanzanian woman has been linked to the death of the Nigerian who arrived in Uganda from Rwanda's AS Kigali in 2022.

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.

He is remembered fondly by Viper fans. In 2023, he helped the Vipers win the league and cup double and is also remembered for scoring the club's goal in a 1-1 draw with Raja Casablanca of Morocco.

It was the first-ever goal scored by the club in the Champions League group stages.