The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has slammed heavy sanctions on Kano Pillars Football Club following violent scenes that marred their Match Day 8 encounter against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan.
In a statement dated October 13, 2025, and signed by Davidson Owumi, the league’s Chief Operating Officer, the NPFL found the Kano-based club guilty of five separate breaches of its Framework and Rules, including failure to provide adequate security, assault on players and match officials, and loss of crowd control.
According to the document titled “FORM 16: Summary Jurisdiction Notice,” the NPFL imposed the following penalties on Kano Pillars:
- ₦1 million fine for failure to provide adequate security
- ₦1 million fine for throwing of dangerous objects
- ₦1 million fine for failure to ensure proper conduct of supporters
- ₦1 million fine for misconduct bringing the game into disrepute
- ₦2 million fine for assault on players and officials of 3SC
- ₦2 million compensation to 3SC for treatment and damages
- ₦1.5 million compensation to match officials (₦250,000 each)
- Deduction of 3 points and 3 goals from Kano Pillars’ accrued points
- Indefinite closure of Sani Abacha Stadium or a minimum of ten home matches
- Relocation of home fixtures to Katsina State until the club guarantees safety
The league body also directed Kano Pillars to identify and prosecute those responsible for invading the pitch and to submit a revised security framework within seven working days.
“You are in breach of Rule B13.52… for failing to provide adequate and effective security, which resulted in unauthorized persons gaining access to restricted areas and the field of play,” the NPFL stated.
The letter further accused the club’s supporters of harassing visiting players and match officials, throwing objects, and physically attacking members of the away team.
Kano Pillars have been given 48 hours to either accept the sanctions or appeal to the disciplinary panel. The NPFL warned that any frivolous appeal could attract additional penalties.
