Imo imposes stadium ban on Heartland FC fan Egbujor

By Ikechukwu Iweajunwa/NAN

Imo government has directed the immediate ban of one Ikenna Egbujor, a popular supporter of Heartland Football Club of Owerri, from attending the club’s home games.

The state’s Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Dan Agu, told newsmen on Monday in Owerri that the fan was banned over an assault on the club’s Media Officer, Solomon Onu.

The incident was recorded on Sunday during Heartland FC’s first game of the 2021/2022 season in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The match against Nasarawa United of Lafia had ended in a 3-3 draw.

Egbujor, a member of the “Colombian Heartland Supporters Club”, allegedly attacked the club’s media officer with a sharp object leading to what many onlookers regarded as serious internal injuries.

However, his reason for attacking Onu could not be ascertained as the suspect fled the scene immediately.

The media officer, who is also a member of the state chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) became unconscious immediately after he was attacked, before being revived later.

Agu said the state government has directed the club’s General Manager, Promise Nwachukwu, to inform the Imo Football Association about the ban.

The commissioner assured Imo SWAN members that he would strengthen security at the stadium during Heartland FC’s home games to further guarantee the safety of journalists and others.

Meanwhile, Onu said the incident happened at the stadium on Sunday when he was arranging an interview between journalists and the Heartland FC coach immediately after the match.