Kano Football Controversy: Club Owner Drags State FA to Court Over Alleged Rights Violation
A growing tension within Kano’s football community has escalated into a full-blown legal battle as Abba Hamza Baba, chairman of Alfindinki Football Club, has dragged the Kano State Football Association (KSFA) to court over what he describes as a violation of his fundamental human rights.
Baba, in a suit before Justice Usman Na’Abba of the Kano State High Court, is accusing KSFA top officials — including Chairman Sharif Rabiu Inuwa Ahlan, Secretary Shehu Buhari, and Vice Chairman Aminu China — of intentionally excluding his team from the ongoing Tofa Premier League despite meeting all registration and payment requirements.
💰 Followed the Rules, Yet Locked Out?
According to court filings, Alfindinki FC legally purchased a league slot from the now-defunct Warriors FC for ₦700,000 and paid ₦350,000 to KSFA as part of commission fees. Additionally:
₦120,000 was paid via the Tofa Premier League Forum.
₦58,000 was tagged as “unattached fees.”
₦165,000 was paid to register three transferred players.
Despite meeting all obligations, KSFA allegedly denied participation without formal explanation.
Even more concerning, Baba alleges that his peaceful protest led to his arrest, detention, and arraignment at Chief Magistrate Court No. 23, actions he claims were meant to intimidate him into silence.
📢 Seeking Justice & Accountability
Baba, represented by counsel Mahmud Ishaq, is now seeking:
A declaration that the KSFA violated his rights to freedom of association as protected under Sections 35, 40, and 46 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
A public apology from the KSFA.
Immediate release of his players’ licenses.
An end to the alleged abuse of power in local football governance.
In response, KSFA filed a preliminary objection, claiming the court lacks jurisdiction to hear the matter — a legal angle that could potentially delay or derail the search for justice.
The case has been adjourned to July 24 for further hearing.
🗣️ Opinion: When Grassroots Football Becomes a Battlefield
This incident raises pressing questions about transparency, fairness, and accountability in Nigerian grassroots football. How can clubs be expected to grow or invest in talent when opaque processes and alleged political power plays dictate who gets to play?
If proven true, the intimidation through arrest sets a disturbing precedent that not only undermines sporting integrity but also the basic constitutional rights of individuals trying to participate in the development of local football.
Football is meant to unite communities and provide opportunity, not be a platform for gatekeeping or abuse of power.
The outcome of this case could have long-term implications on how football associations in Nigeria handle club licensing, league participation, and stakeholder treatment.
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