The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has imposed heavy sanctions on Kano Pillars following the pitch invasion and violence that marred their Matchday 8 game against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) in Kano.

In a statement released less than 24 hours after the incident, the NPFL deducted three points and three goals from Kano Pillars for assault on match officials and the visiting team.

The league also announced the closure of the Sani Abacha Stadium to fans for the rest of the season. The club will now play its home matches at the Muhammad Dikko Stadium in Katsina.

Kano Pillars were fined a total of ₦9.5 million for various breaches of NPFL rules, including failure to provide adequate security, misconduct of supporters, and assault on players and match officials.

The fines include ₦1 million each for poor security, failure to control fans, throwing objects onto the pitch, and bringing the league to disrepute. The club was also fined ₦2 million for assault, ₦2 million as compensation to Shooting Stars players, and ₦1.5 million as restitution for assaulted match officials.

The NPFL also recommended five match officials for performance review and possible downgrade. They include Mohammed B. Tuta (Adamawa), Bem Japhet (Benue), and Shehu Isah (Adamawa), who officiated the Kano Pillars vs 3SC game, as well as Ikechukwu Taiwo (Rivers) and Usman Opeyemi Edward (Osun) from the Nasarawa United vs Rangers match.

NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, said the league maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward violence and misconduct.

“We will invoke the rules wherever and whenever required to keep bad behaviour of fans, players, and officials out of the league,” he said.

However, Kano Pillars have the right to appeal the decision.