The club was charged with failing to provide adequate security as agreed at the pre-match technical meeting. In addition, an official of Abia Warriors attempted to disrupt the live broadcast of the match by harassing a crew member of the league’s broadcast partner, an act the NPFL described as conduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute.
The league has imposed the following sanctions:
- A fine of N1 million for failure to provide adequate security as agreed at the technical meeting
- A fine of N2 million for attempting to disrupt the live broadcast of the match
- A compensation payment of N250,000 to the affected crew member for treatment of the injury sustained during the incident
Furthermore, Abia Warriors’ multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, has been suspended from all NPFL activities for five matches, both home and away, for his role in the disruption and harassment of the broadcast crew member.
Abia Warriors have been given 48 hours from the date of the notice to appeal the sanctions.
The incident occurred during the club’s Matchday 10 encounter with Niger Tornadoes. The NPFL stated that the failure to maintain agreed security arrangements and the subsequent interference with the official broadcast partners constituted serious breaches of the league’s regulations.
The fines and suspension take immediate effect, with the club expected to comply fully while any appeal process is considered.