By Umahi jeremiah
Abia Warriors have appealed the Nigeria Premier Football League’s (NPFL) five-match suspension of their multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, while challenging a separate sanction over alleged inadequate security during their Matchday 10 fixture on October 25.
The league had fined the Umuahia-based club N1 million for failure to provide adequate security and N2 million for attempting to disrupt the live broadcast of the match. It also ordered the club to pay N250,000 in compensation for the treatment of an injured broadcast crew member.
Igwe was suspended from all NPFL activities, home and away, for five matches over alleged harassment of a broadcast crew member and attempted disruption of the broadcast.
However, in its appeal, Abia Warriors described the suspension as excessive and unjustified, insisting that Igwe did not attempt to obstruct the cameraman from carrying out his duties.
The club claimed she only expressed displeasure over what she considered poor officiating after the camera allegedly focused on her for an unusually long period. It said she advised the cameraman to move towards the visiting team’s section after spending considerable time covering the home side.
On the security allegation, Abia Warriors maintained that adequate arrangements were in place for the fixture and urged the league to review the live broadcast footage and seek confirmation from the visiting team.
The club also argued that the away team left the stadium without molestation or any reported security incident, calling for an objective assessment before a decision is reached.
Abia Warriors reiterated their commitment to NPFL regulations and appealed for fairness, transparency and due process. They requested the withdrawal of Igwe’s suspension or, alternatively, a review of the sanction.
The club’s appeal followed the NPFL’s disciplinary notice, which gave it 48 hours, within the applicable working-day period, to challenge the sanctions.
