Football fan jailed for assaulting NPFL player
By Olaolu Joseph
A football fan in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Bashir Bala, has been sentenced to three months in jail after being found guilty of assaulting Plateau United player Vincent Temitope.
The incident occurred last weekend at the Lafia City Stadium, shortly after a heated Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) clash between Nasarawa United and Plateau United, which ended 3–2 in favor of the home team.
Presiding over the case yesterday, a Chief Magistrate Court in Lafia sentenced Bala to three months in prison, with the option of a fine.
Bala, a resident of Lafia and suspected fan of Nasarawa United, was arraigned by the Nigeria Police on a three-count charge bordering on assault, use of criminal force, and public disturbance.
Upon arraignment, he pleaded guilty to all charges.
Contrary to earlier reports suggesting that Temitope was stabbed, his club has confirmed that the player only sustained minor injuries.
Temitope, who has since resumed training with his teammates at Plateau United, refuted the stabbing rumors, stating that he is now focused on helping his team in upcoming matches.
