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.
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.
Nasarawa United had issued an official statement on Tuesday through the club’s Director of Media, Eche Amos, clarifying that the incident, was exaggerated.
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Amos stated that Temitope suffered only a slight bruise on the neck and was not stabbed with a knife or any dangerous weapon as claimed.
He explained that eyewitness accounts confirmed that the suspect was involved in the altercation with one Bashir Bala, and used his sharp fingernails during a scuffle after the player allegedly attempted to hit a spectator with a plastic chair.
However, contrary to earlier reports suggesting that Temitope was stabbed, the club has confirmed that he only sustained minor injuries.
Temitope, who has since resumed training with his teammates, debunked the stabbing rumours, saying he is focused on helping his team in upcoming fixtures.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
