Justice took its course in Lafia on Thursday as a Chief Magistrate Court handed a three-month jail sentence with an option of a fine to a Lafia football fan, Bashir Bala, for physically assaulting Vincent Temitope, a player for Plateau United Football Club.
The assault occurred last weekend at the Lafia City Stadium following a high-tension Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) encounter between Nasarawa United and Plateau United. The match ended 3–2 in favour of Nasarawa United, but tempers flared after the final whistle, culminating in an attack on the visiting team’s player.
Bashir Bala, a resident of Lafia and an ardent supporter of Nasarawa United, was promptly arrested by the Nigeria Police and arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on assault, criminal force, and public disturbance. The Lafia football fan pleaded guilty to all charges when brought before the court.
Delivering the judgment, the magistrate sentenced Bala to three months in prison but provided an option of paying a fine in lieu of the custodial sentence. The ruling was welcomed by many fans and stakeholders in the football community as a step toward curbing violence in sports.
Read Also: Farewell to a Legend: Christian Chukwu, Nigeria’s Football Icon, Passes On at 74.
The incident, which drew wide condemnation on social media and among NPFL followers, sparked concern over the safety of players and officials during league matches. Initial reports had suggested that Temitope was stabbed during the attack, raising alarms about security at match venues.
However, Nasarawa United moved quickly to clarify the situation. In a statement released on Tuesday, the club’s Director of Media, Eche Amos, described the stabbing claims as exaggerated. According to him, the scuffle between Temitope and the Lafia football fan involved no weapons.
Amos stated that eyewitness accounts confirmed the player sustained only a minor neck bruise, caused by the fan’s sharp fingernails during a heated exchange. He further alleged that Temitope may have attempted to strike a spectator with a plastic chair, which led to the confrontation.
Temitope, who has since returned to training with his teammates, also addressed the media, debunking rumours of a stabbing. He emphasized that his injuries were minor and that he remains focused on upcoming matches, urging fans to maintain decorum and respect during games.
The sentencing of the Lafia football fan serves as a cautionary tale and a reminder of the consequences of violent behaviour in sports arenas. Authorities continue to call for responsible fan conduct to preserve the integrity and safety of the beautiful game in Nigeria.
