Gov Alia Orders Refund of ₦2.4 Billion from Former Lobi Stars Vice Chairmen
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has directed three former Vice Chairmen of Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi to refund ₦2.445 billion to the club’s coffers following findings by the Forensic Audit Investigation Committee.
The committee, inaugurated by Governor Alia on October 7, 2024, was tasked with reviewing the club’s financial records from January 2020 to September 2024. Led by San-Chir-Igba Donatus, the committee’s responsibilities included assessing the handover notes of the outgoing board, identifying income sources, making recommendations, and advising the government on appropriate actions.
According to a statement released by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the committee’s White Paper, submitted on November 24, 2024, identified the trio of Mike Idoko, Emmanuel Taman, and Dominic Iorfa as responsible for the discrepancies. The audit revealed that while ₦3,759,820,269 was recorded as the club’s total income, only ₦1,314,807,672 was properly accounted for, leaving a shortfall of ₦2,445,012,596, which the committee now demands be refunded.
“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.”
