The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has slammed Kano Pillars with a heavy fine of N9.5 million and deducted three points and three goals from the club following violent scenes during their Matchday 8 fixture against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) on Sunday, October 12, at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.
Chaos erupted after the final whistle when home fans invaded the pitch, attacking match officials, players, and staff of the visiting team following a dramatic late equalizer by Shooting Stars.
The game, which ended 1–1, saw Mustapha Jibrin give Kano Pillars the lead in the ninth minute before Adams Mustapha struck deep into stoppage time to level the score — sparking violence from enraged supporters.
In a Summary Jurisdiction Notice dated October 13 and signed by NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi, the league found Kano Pillars guilty of multiple breaches, including inadequate security, failure to control supporters, throwing dangerous objects, and assaulting away players and match officials.
“Kano Pillars failed to provide adequate and effective security, which resulted in unauthorised persons gaining access to restricted areas and the field of play,” the NPFL statement read.
“The club also failed to ensure proper conduct of their supporters, which led to harassment and assault of the away team and match officials.”
As part of the penalties, the NPFL deducted three points and three goals from the club’s accrued points for the assault on match officials.
Additionally, Kano Pillars were fined:
- N1 million each for failing to provide adequate security, throwing dangerous objects, failing to control supporters, and bringing the game to disrepute — totalling N4 million.
- N2 million for assaulting players and match officials.
- N1.5 million as compensatory damages of N250,000 each to match officials.
- N2 million as compensation for treatment and damages suffered by Shooting Stars players and match officials.
The NPFL further ruled that Kano Pillars will play their home matches in Katsina for the remainder of the season or for a minimum of 10 matches, pending proof that effective security measures are in place. The Sani Abacha Stadium will remain closed indefinitely until the league is satisfied that such incidents will not reoccur.
The club has also been ordered to identify and produce the perpetrators of the violence, show proof of prosecution, and submit a new matchday security plan to the NPFL within seven days.
Kano Pillars have 48 hours to either accept the summary jurisdiction or file an appeal against the decision.