The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has imposed severe penalties on Kano Pillars following crowd disturbances during their match against Rivers United last weekend.
The club was found guilty by the league of a number of violations, including inadequate security, pitch invasion, and harassment of match officials.
For misbehavior, intimidation, and interference with play, Sai Masu Gida was fined a total of ₦15 million.
Additionally, they will have to play their next three home games behind closed doors. Two will be served at the beginning of the following season, and one will be served this season. The club can file an appeal within 48 hours.
According to information obtained by Naija News, Kano Pillars were accused of violating league regulations during their home game on April 19, 2026. According to reports, as the center referee threatened to call off the game, home fans attacked him, delaying the game.
The referee was eventually convinced to proceed by colleague Rabiu Ali and former Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa.
Expectations of another sporting penalty were heightened by the club’s previous three-goal and three-point deduction this season. Rather, the penalty came in the shape of steep penalties and stadium limitations.
“The Kano club failed to provide adequate & effective security, resulting in unauthorized persons gaining access to restricted areas,” the NPFL said in a statement.
The club also violated league regulations as their fans invaded the field, endangering the players’ and officials’ safety.
Additionally, Kano Pillars supporters acted in ways that could damage the sport’s reputation.
Additionally, the club failed to ensure that its supporters behaved appropriately, which led to match officials being intimidated and harassed.
“The league’s legitimacy is threatened by the club’s supporters’ egregious misconduct against match officials.
“Kano Pillars is fined N4 million for repeatedly failing to provide sufficient security, and they will also pay an additional N3 million for repeatedly engaging in unsporting behavior that could damage the reputation of the game.
Kano Pillars are fined N3 million for repeatedly failing to ensure that their supporters behave appropriately, which led to the intimidation and harassment of match officials.
The breakdown of the ₦15 million fine imposed against Kano Pillars by the NPFL:
₦4 million for consistently failing to offer sufficient security.
₦3 million for unsporting behavior that damages the game’s reputation.
₦3 million for officials being harassed due to a lack of control of supporters.
₦3 million for flagrant wrongdoing against match officials.
₦2 million for the delay and disturbance of the match.
