The Forensic Audit Investigation Committee constituted by Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue state to examine the income and expenditure of Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi, has directed three past Vice Chairmen of the club to refund the sum of ₦2.445b to the coffers of the club.
Recall that Governor Alia on October 7, 2024 inaugurated the San-Chir-Igba Donatus led committee to look into the books of the club from January 2020 to September 2024.
The terms of reference of the committee included studying the handover notes submitted by the outgone board of the club, identify the club’s income, make recommendations to the government on appropriate actions to be taken in the interest of the club, and advise the government on the way forward.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula in a statement Friday stated that the White Paper of the Commiitee’s report allegedly indicted the trio of Mike Idoko, Emmanuel Taman and Dominic Iorfa hence the demand for refunds.
Part of the statement read, “According to the report, which was submitted on November 24, 2024, the sum of ₦3,759,820,269 accrued to the club during the period in question, but only ₦1,314,807,672 was accounted for, leaving a difference of ₦2,445,012,596.
“The breakdown indicates that Mr. Mike Idoko and others who worked with him are to refund the sum of ₦243,955,081 for the period of 2020-2021. Mr. Emmanuel Taman and others who worked under him are to refund ₦434,318,964 for 2021-2022. Mr. Dominic Iorfa and others are to refund the sum of ₦692,453,927 for 2022-2023, and ₦702,875,000 for 2023-2024, as well as ₦371,409,623 for 2024-2024.
“The committee made it clear that all individuals and companies involved in financial transactions with the club within the time covered were formally invited and given fair hearing.
“The committee recommended, among other things, that Lobi Stars be registered as a full company with the responsibility to generate revenue, and that funds from the club’s sponsors be deposited directly into the club’s account.
“The report also advocated for the independence of the club, stating that the Ministry of Sports should no longer control or interfere in the day-to-day running of the club.”
