A football club proprietor in Kano, Abba Hamza Baba, has instituted legal proceedings against the Kano State Football Association (KSFA), alleging violations of his fundamental human rights by top officials of the association.
Baba, who serves as the chairman of Alfindinki Football Club, filed a motion before the Kano State High Court, citing breaches of Sections 35, 40, and 46 of Nigeria's 1999 Constitution.
According to court documents, Baba alleged that the KSFA—under the leadership of its chairman, Sharif Rabiu Inuwa Ahlan, secretary Shehu Buhari, and vice chairman Aminu China—deliberately prevented his team from participating in the ongoing Tofa Premier League despite fulfilling all registration and administrative requirements.
The club owner claimed he legally acquired a league slot from the now-defunct Warriors Football Club for ₦700,000 and further paid ₦350,000 to the state FA as a 50% commission. He also stated that additional payments were made, including ₦120,000 through the Tofa Premier League Forum and ₦58,000 labeled as unattached fees.
Baba's affidavit further revealed that on February 15, 2025, he paid ₦165,000 for the clearance of three players transferred from Kano Municipal Football Club to his team. Despite meeting these financial and procedural requirements, his club was allegedly denied participation in the league without any formal justification.
In a troubling development, Baba informed the court that his attempt to protest the exclusion led the football association to involve the police, resulting in his arrest, detention, and subsequent arraignment at Chief Magistrate Court No. 23.
Represented by counsel Mahmud Ishaq, the club owner is seeking a judicial declaration that the actions of the KSFA and its officials were unconstitutional and a breach of his right to freedom of association. Additionally, he is requesting the court to compel the KSFA to release the licenses of his players and issue a public apology for the unlawful actions taken against him.
In response to these allegations, the KSFA has filed a preliminary objection, arguing that the court lacks the jurisdiction to hear the matter. The case is currently before Justice Usman Na'Abba of High Court No. 4 at the Audu Bako Secretariat and has been adjourned to July 24 for further hearing.
This case highlights ongoing tensions within local football administration in Kano and raises questions about governance and transparency in grassroots sports management across Nigeria.
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