Delta Offers ₦200,000 Reward for Suspect in Warri Wolves Match Official Assault

Posted : 27 October 2026

The Delta State Sports Commission has announced a ₦200,000 reward for anyone who provides credible information leading to the identification and arrest of a spectator who allegedly assaulted a match official after the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture between Warri Wolves and Kano Pillars.

The incident occurred on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at the Southern Delta University Stadium in Ozoro, Delta State, following the Matchday 10 encounter. The suspect was reportedly unidentified when the incident was reported.

According to reports, the spectator allegedly struck one of the match officials in the face, leaving him with a bleeding nose. The attack occurred after security personnel had escorted the officials from the field and they were preparing to board their designated team bus for transportation to their hotel.

Delta State Sports Commission Chairman Onoriode Oborevwori announced the reward in response to the incident. He described the attack as heartbreaking and expressed concern that a football official could be subjected to violence after a match.

The reward is intended to help security agencies identify and apprehend the suspect. It also reinforces the commission’s stated zero-tolerance position on hooliganism and violence at sporting events.

In a statement issued by Warri Wolves Club Secretary Henry Ukah, the club confirmed that efforts were underway to establish the suspect’s identity and secure an arrest. Oborevwori also stressed that anyone found responsible must face the appropriate legal consequences.

The commission apologised to the NPFL authorities, referees’ associations and other football stakeholders over the incident. It also urged members of the public with credible information to cooperate with the police and support efforts to bring the alleged perpetrator to justice.

The case has been reported to the Ughelli Area Police Command, with security agencies expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault.

Warri Wolves Football Club condemned the attack, describing it as unacceptable and distancing itself from violence against match officials, players, supporters and other individuals involved in football.

The club’s Media Officer, Oris Lilian, said the management responded promptly after the incident. The club’s medical personnel provided first aid to the injured official before he was taken to a hospital for further treatment.

According to the club’s account, Ukah and stadium security personnel had escorted the match officials from the field of play to their designated bus after the fixture. The assault reportedly occurred after the officials had reached the vehicle.

Warri Wolves confirmed that the matter had been formally reported to the police and that efforts were continuing to identify the suspect.

The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of match officials in Nigerian football. The commission’s reward and the police investigation are aimed at establishing accountability and discouraging similar acts of violence at future matches.

Delta Offers ₦200,000 Reward for Suspect in Warri Wolves Match Official Assault

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