The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has imposed significant sanctions on Katsina United Football Club following a Matchday 12 fixture against Barau FC that was marred by allegations of violence and breaches of match protocol. The incident, which took place at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, resulted in a N9 million fine for Katsina United and a directive to play all subsequent home matches behind closed doors at a neutral venue.

Dominic Iorfa, General Manager of Barau FC, alleged that the violence, which left his player Nana Abraham injured, was premeditated. He recounted that Katsina United officials initially insisted that some of Barau FC’s technical staff could not sit on the away team bench, causing an almost 40-minute delay in kickoff before match officials intervened. Iorfa further accused Katsina United of instigating trouble in an attempt to secure a victory at all costs. According to him, when Barau FC scored an equalizer, Katsina United fans threw objects onto the pitch, with one striking Nana Abraham, although he continued the game after treatment. Iorfa stressed the unpredictable nature of football and urged other teams to uphold the integrity of the league.

Katsina United’s Media Officer, Nasir Gide, refuted claims of widespread violence, specifically denying reports that Abraham was stabbed or that fans invaded the pitch. Gide confirmed that after Barau FC’s equalizer in the 69th minute, some fans threw objects toward the visiting team’s reserve bench, but the situation was immediately controlled. He maintained that Abraham was hit by an object but not stabbed, and stated that the club possesses video evidence and an interview with the player to support their account.

However, Ahmad Gwale, Barau FC’s Director of Media Operations, had earlier claimed that Nana Abraham was indeed stabbed in the neck by a pitch invader using a sharp object, escalating concerns over stadium security and fan behavior.