Lobi Stars' saga: Forensic Audit Investigation Committee finds three former vice chairmen guilty of embezzlement

Posted : 11 January 2025

Three former vice-chairmen of Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi are to refund the sum of N2.4 billion after the commission of inquiry by the state government found them guilty.

A statement from the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, reveals that this follows the white paper report on the Forensic Audit Investigation into Lobi Stars Football Club for the period from January 2020 to September 2024, released by the Benue State government.

Recall that the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, inaugurated a Forensic Audit Investigation Committee on October 7, 2024, led by San-Chir-Igba Donatus, ACA, to examine the funds of Lobi Stars Football Club, Makurdi.

The terms of reference included studying the handover notes submitted by the outgoing board of the club, identifying the club's income, making recommendations to the government on appropriate actions to be taken in the interest of the club, and advising the government on the way forward.

According to the report, which was submitted on November 24, 2024, the sum of N3.7 billion accrued to the club during the period in question, but only N1.3 billion was accounted for, leaving a difference of N2.4 billion.

The breakdown indicates that Mike Idoko and others who worked with him are to refund the sum of N243,955,081.44 for the period of 2020-2021.

Emmanuel Taman and others who worked under him are to refund N434,318,964.12 for 2021-2022.

Dominic Iorfa and others are to refund the sum of N692,453,927.60 for 2022-2023, N702,875,000 for 2023-2024, as well as N371,409,623.76 for 2024-2025.

"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 a 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.

Lobi Stars' saga: Forensic Audit Investigation Committee finds three former vice chairmen guilty of embezzlement

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