The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has imposed a series of severe sanctions on Kano Pillars Football Club following violent incidents during their Matchday 8 fixture against Shooting Stars SC at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
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 breaches of its Framework and Rules relating to crowd control, security, and misconduct.
According to the NPFL, the club failed to provide adequate and effective security during the match, allowing unauthorized individuals to gain access to restricted areas and the field of play. The notice also cited the club for failing to control its supporters, who were accused of harassing players, throwing dangerous objects, and assaulting match officials and the visiting team.
As a result, the NPFL imposed the following sanctions:
“₦1 million fine for failure to provide adequate security.
“₦1 million fine for throwing dangerous objects toward match officials and players.
“₦1 million fine for failure to control supporters.
“₦1 million fine for conduct bringing the game to disrepute.
“₦2 million fine for assaulting Shooting Stars players and match officials.
“₦2 million as compensatory damages for the treatment of victims.
“₦1.5 million compensation (₦250,000 each) to match officials.
“Deduction of 3 points and 3 goals from Kano Pillars’ accrued total.
“Indefinite closure of Sani Abacha Stadium, with an order for the club to play its home matches in Katsina for at least ten games or until the NPFL is satisfied that adequate security measures are in place.
“A directive for the club to identify and prosecute those involved in the invasion, and to submit a new matchday security and crowd control plan within seven working days.”
Kano Pillars have 48 hours to either accept the sanctions or elect to appear before an NPFL disciplinary panel. The notice warned that any frivolous appeal may attract additional sanctions.
This latest development marks another chapter in Kano Pillars’ recurring struggle with fan misconduct, a problem that has drawn repeated warnings and punishments from the league in recent seasons.
