The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has slapped Kano Pillars Football Club with heavy sanctions following a violent incident by fans during their Matchday 8 fixture against Shooting Stars Sports Club at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
In a Summary Jurisdiction Notice dated October 13, 2025, and signed by NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi, the league found Kano Pillars guilty of multiple rule breaches, including failure to provide adequate security and ensuring proper conduct of supporters. The NPFL noted that the breakdown of order allowed “unauthorised persons gaining access to restricted areas” and led to the “harassment and assault of away team players and match officials.”
As a result, Kano Pillars were fined a total of N9.5 million, had three points and three goals deducted, and were banned from playing at their home ground. The sanctions breakdown is as follows:
- N1 million for failure to provide adequate security.
- N1 million for throwing objects toward the field and officials.
- N1 million for failure to ensure proper conduct of supporters.
- N1 million for conduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute.
- N2 million for assaulting away team players and match officials.
- N2 million as compensatory cost for treatment and damages.
- N1.5 million as compensatory damages to the match officials.
The NPFL has ordered the indefinite closure of Sani Abacha Stadium, directing that Kano Pillars play all home matches in Katsina for the rest of the season—or at least for ten games—until the club demonstrates improved security and crowd control measures.
The club is also required to identify and prosecute the culprits responsible for the pitch invasion and submit a detailed security framework within seven working days. According to the NPFL, “In accordance with Rule C26, you are required, within 48 hours of the date of this notice, to either submit to the summary jurisdiction and the sanctions contained herein, or elect to be dealt with by a disciplinary panel.” The league further warned that any frivolous appeal or election could attract additional sanctions under Rule E1.
The violent incident occurred on Sunday when angry Kano Pillars supporters invaded the pitch after a 1-1 draw, attacking Shooting Stars players and match officials, drawing widespread condemnation from fans and stakeholders nationwide.
