Npfl: Court Sentences Lafia Football Fan For Assaulting Plateau United Player

Justice has been served in Lafia as a Chief Magistrate Court on Thursday sentenced a football fan, Bashir Bala, to three months' imprisonment with an option of fine, for assaulting Vincent Temitope, a player of Plateau United Football Club.

DAILY POST reports that the incident occurred over the 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 favour of the home team.

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, criminal force, and public disturbance. Upon arraignment, he pleaded guilty to the charges.

The court, in delivering its judgment, sentenced Bala to three months in prison, with an option to pay a fine.

The incident, which sparked widespread condemnation among fans and stakeholders, saw the Plateau United player physically attacked shortly after the final whistle.