The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has imposed heavy sanctions on Kano Pillars Football Club following fan violence during their Matchday 8 fixture against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) in Kano.
In a disciplinary notice dated 13 October 2025, the NPFL found Kano Pillars guilty of multiple breaches of its Framework and Rules, including failure to provide adequate security, harassment and assault of players and officials, and misconduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute.
According to the notice signed by NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi, the incidents occurred during the 1–1 draw at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Sunday, 12 October 2025, when supporters invaded the pitch and attacked match officials, Shooting Stars players, and threw objects onto the pitch.
READ MORE:kano-pillars-gm-ahmed-musa-issues-emotional-apology-after-fan-violence-against-3sc
The NPFL cited breaches of Rules B13.52, C9, B13.18, C1.1, and C11, imposing a total fine of ₦9.5 million on the club.
The sanctions include:
₦1 million for failure to provide adequate and effective security.
₦1 million for throwing dangerous objects towards players and officials.
₦1 million for failure to control supporters.
₦1 million for misconduct bringing the game into disrepute.
₦2 million for assaulting away players and match officials.
₦2 million as compensation for treatment and damages to victims.
₦1.5 million as additional compensation to match officials.
FULL STATEMENT. Photo Credit: NPFL/X
In addition to the fines, Kano Pillars have been docked three points and three goals from their accrued total for the assault on match officials.
The NPFL also ordered the indefinite closure of the Sani Abacha Stadium, meaning Pillars will play their home matches in Katsina until the club can guarantee improved security and crowd control.
Furthermore, the league directed Kano Pillars to identify and prosecute individuals involved in the violence, and to submit a detailed security framework and crowd control plan to the NPFL within seven working days.
FULL STATEMENT. Photo Credit: NPFL/X
The club has 48 hours from the date of the notice to either accept the sanctions or request a disciplinary hearing.
The NPFL warned that any frivolous appeal could attract additional penalties in line with Rule E1 of its regulations.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
The sanctions come amid widespread condemnation of the violent scenes that followed the late equaliser by Shooting Stars, which led to the assault of players and officials at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
