Video: NPFL slams Kano Pillars with multi-million naira fines, sanctions after security breach

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has issued a stern statement on Monday condemning Kano Pillars FC for multiple breaches of league regulations during their Match Day 8 fixture against Shooting Stars FC on Sunday, October 12, 2025.

Video: NPFL slams Kano Pillars with multi-million naira fines, sanctions after security breach

In a statement signed by Davidson Owumi, NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Kano Pillars was found culpable of failing to provide adequate security, allowing unauthorised access to restricted areas, and permitting supporter misconduct, including assault on visiting players and officials.

Owumi highlighted, “You are in breach of Rule B13.52—you failed to provide adequate and effective security which resulted in unauthorised persons gaining access to restricted areas/field of play.”

Further, the statement accused Kano Pillars supporters of harassment and throwing objects during the match stressing, “You are in breach of Rule C9, failed to ensure the proper conduct of your supporters which resulted in harassment of the away team players and match officials,” and “your supporters threw objects toward the field of play, away team and match officials.”

The breaches led to heavy sanctions, including:
• Four separate fines totaling N5 million for security lapses, supporter misconduct, throwing of objects, and conduct bringing the game into disrepute.
• A N2 million fine for assaulting away team players and match officials.
• A N2 million compensatory payment for treatment and damages to assaulted players and officials.
• N1.5 million in damages to match officials.
• Deduction of 3 points and 3 goals from Kano Pillars FC’s accrued league tally.
• Indefinite closure of Kano Pillars’ home stadium, Sani Abacha Stadium, forcing the team to play home games in Katsina.
• A directive to identify, prosecute the culprits responsible for the invasion and assault, and implement improved match day security measures within seven working days.

Owumi warned Kano Pillars to respond within 48 hours by either accepting the sanctions or opting for disciplinary proceedings. Failure to comply or frivolous appeals may attract further penalties.

This disciplinary action sends a clear message that the NPFL will not tolerate security breaches or violence that endangers the integrity of Nigerian football.
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