The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has imposed severe sanctions on Kano Pillars Football Club following a pitch invasion and violent incidents during their Matchday 8 fixture against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, October 12, 2025, led to widespread outrage and calls for decisive action, prompting the league body to issue a Summary Jurisdiction Notice on October 13, 2025.

Kano Pillars has been found guilty of multiple breaches of the NPFL Framework and Rules, specifically citing Rules B13.52, C9, B1.31.8 (referred to as B13.18 in one source), C1.1, and C11. These infractions include failing to provide adequate and effective security, failing to ensure proper conduct of supporters, throwing dangerous objects onto the pitch, misconduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute, and assaulting visiting players and match officials.

As a result of these violations, the NPFL has levied a series of significant penalties against Kano Pillars. The club has been docked three points and three goals from their total accrued points, a deduction made in accordance with Rule C1.1, which addresses assaults on away teams and match officials. Furthermore, the Sani Abacha Stadium has been indefinitely closed for home matches, with Kano Pillars ordered to play their remaining home fixtures for the season (or at least 10 matches) at the Muhammad Dikko Stadium in Katsina.

Financial penalties totaling N9.5 million have also been imposed. This includes a N1 million fine for failing to provide adequate security (Rule B13.52), another N1 million for throwing dangerous objects at match officials (Rule B13.18), N1 million for failing to control supporters and not ensuring their proper conduct (Rule C9), and an additional N1 million fine for actions bringing the league into disrepute (Rule C1.1). A substantial N2 million fine was mandated for assaulting the away team and match officials. Beyond fines, the club is required to pay N2 million as compensation for the treatment and damages inflicted on Shooting Stars players and officials, along with N1.5 million in restitution for the assault on match officials.

Davidson Owumi, Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL, reiterated the league’s firm commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against any form of violence. He emphasized that the rules would be invoked whenever necessary to eliminate bad behavior from fans, players, and officials. The league has also issued a directive for Kano Pillars to identify and prosecute the pitch invaders and to submit proof of improved crowd control measures within seven working days.

In a separate development, the NPFL has requested a performance review for several match officials from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Match Officials Appointment Committee. This includes centre referee Mohammed B. Tuta from Adamawa State and assistant referees Bem Japhet (Benue) and Shehu Isah (Adamawa) who officiated the Kano Pillars versus Shooting Stars game. Additionally, a review is sought for centre referee Ikechukwu Taiwo from Rivers State and assistant referee Usman Opeyemi Edward from Osun State, who officiated the Nasarawa United versus Rangers match.

Kano Pillars retains the right to appeal these decisions within 48 hours, but the NPFL has cautioned that any frivolous appeal may attract additional sanctions, in line with Rule E1 of its Framework. All fines are required to be paid within seven working days.