BREAKING: NPFL Slams N9.5million Fine, 3-Point Deduction, Stadium Ban On Kano Pillars
The Nigeria’s Premier Football League (NPFL) has slammed heavy sanctions on Kano Pillars Football Club, including a ₦9.5million fine, deduction of 3 points and 3 goals, and an indefinite closure of the Sani Abacha Stadium, following violent scenes during their Match Day 8 fixture against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan.
The decision, contained in a formal document titled “FORM 16: Summary Jurisdiction Notice”, dated October 13, 2025, and signed by Davidson Owumi, the NPFL’s Chief Operating Officer, found the Kano-based club guilty of multiple breaches of the league’s Frameworks and Rules.
According to the statement, the league body cited five separate rule violations, ranging from failure to provide adequate security to physical assault on players and match officials.
“You are in breach of Rule B13.52… in that on Sunday, 12th October 2025, during your Match Day 8 Fixture, Kano Pillars FC vs Shooting Stars FC, you failed to provide adequate and effective security, which resulted in unauthorized persons gaining access to restricted areas and the field of play,” the NPFL said.
The letter further accused Kano Pillars of failing to control their supporters, who allegedly harassed visiting players and officials, threw dangerous objects onto the pitch, and invaded restricted areas to physically assault the away team.
“You are in breach of Rule C11… your home supporters gained entrance into the restricted areas and assaulted the away team players and match officials,” the statement continued.
As a result, the NPFL imposed the following punishments 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 capable of bringing the game to disrepute, ₦2 million fine for assaulting away team players and officials, ₦2 million compensation for treatment and damages to Shooting Stars’ players and officials, ₦1.5 million compensation for match officials (₦250,000 each), Deduction of 3 points and 3 goals from Kano Pillars’ accrued points, Closure of Sani Abacha Stadium for the rest of the season (or a minimum of ten home matches) and Relocation of home games to Katsina State until the club can guarantee safety and order.
The NPFL also ordered the club to identify and prosecute those responsible for the pitch invasion and to submit a comprehensive new security framework within seven working days.
“Kano Pillars must produce those culprits who perpetrated the invasion of restricted areas and show proof of their prosecution accordingly,” the statement read.
The league warned that Kano Pillars have 48 hours to either accept the punishment or appeal to a disciplinary panel, adding that any frivolous appeal could attract further sanctions.
