The Oyo State Sports Council Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Adewusi has been attacked in Ibadan by suspected hoodlums, who claimed they lost N5 million in an online betting game.
On Sunday, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) were forced 1-1 by visiting MFM in a Week 29 fixture of the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, with the Lagos side’s equaliser arriving in the 90th minute through Micah Ojodomo.
In an interview with The PUNCH, Adewusi said the enraged fans believed he sold the game. Given the gulf between both teams at the moment, the fans could not understand how 3SC in 10th position could not beat bottom placed MFM.
He stated that despite not being the club’s coach, the fans wanted him to make 3SC win by all means.
Adewusi said: “I was at the stadium for the game between 3SC and MFM, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Some fans of the 3SC club attacked me over that match.
“Their accusation was that I was the one who sold that match to MFM, who are 20th on the table, and they said that I made them lose over N5 million in the game that they played on an online gambling app.
“I was battered by the hoodlums and was almost killed. I ran to the dressing room, but they wanted to destroy the dressing room. This was a stadium that was just renovated by the Oyo State government and the fans wanted to destroy it”.
The PUNCH saw a picture of Adewusi with blood on his face after the attack at the stadium as he was rushed to a hospital.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun described the incident as unfortunate and said that the Police were already handling the matter.
Olatunbosun said; “I am aware of what happened to Hon. Adewusi and it is a sad development. What I know is that the law will take its course and justice will be served. The Police are already investigating this matter and I tell you, there will be justice”.
The Police spokesperson for the state, DSP Asewale Onifeso said: “The case is under investigation and you will be updated”.
On 2nd May, a fight broke out between Kwara United and Rivers United fans on the pitch after the game ended.
None of the culprits had been arrested or brought to book by law enforcement agents.
