Justice has been served after a football fan was sent to prison for attacking a player during a Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) match in Lafia.
On Thursday, a Chief Magistrate Court sentenced Bashir Bala to three months in jail, with an option to pay a fine. He was charged with assault, using criminal force, and causing public disturbance. Bala, who lives in Lafia and is believed to be a Nasarawa United supporter, admitted he was guilty.
The incident happened over the weekend at the Lafia City Stadium after a tense match between Nasarawa United and Plateau United. The game ended 3-2 in favor of Nasarawa United. Right after the final whistle, Bala attacked Plateau United player Vincent Temitope.
Many football fans and officials were angry about the attack. However, Nasarawa United later said the incident was exaggerated. In a statement from the club’s media director, Eche Amos, they explained that Temitope was not stabbed, as some reports claimed.
According to the club, Bala scratched Temitope’s neck with his fingernails during a fight. This happened after Temitope tried to hit a fan with a plastic chair. Temitope only had a small bruise and has already returned to training. He also confirmed he was not stabbed and said he is now focused on helping his team in their next games.
