Justice was done in Lafia on Thursday when a Chief Magistrate Court sentenced Bashir Bala, a football fan, to three months in prison with the possibility of a fine for attacking Plateau United Football Club player Vincent Temitope.
According to the DAILY POST, the event happened at the Lafia City Stadium over the weekend, right after Nasarawa United and Plateau United played a fierce Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) match that finished 3-2 in favor of the home club.
The Nigeria Police charged Bala, a Lafia resident and alleged Nasarawa United supporter, with three counts of assault, criminal force, and public disturbance. He entered a guilty plea to the charges during arraignment.
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.
Recall that Nasarawa United in an official statement issued Tuesday by the club’s Director of Media, Eche Amos, clarified that the incident, while unfortunate, was exaggerated.
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 involved in the altercation, one Bashir Bala, 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.
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