The Benue State Government has directed three former vice chairmen of Lobi Stars Football Club, Makurdi, to refund a total of N2.4 billion.
This decision follows findings from a forensic audit investigation into the club’s financial activities between January 2020 and September 2024.
The directive was disclosed by Tersoo Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, in a statement released in Makurdi on Friday.
The forensic audit committee, inaugurated by Governor Hyacinth Alia on October 7, 2024, and led by Donatus San-Chir-Igba, reviewed the club’s financial records, including handover notes and income sources.
According to the report submitted on November 24, 2024, the club received N3.7 billion during the audit period, but only N1.3 billion was properly accounted for, leaving a deficit of N2.4 billion.
The breakdown of the missing funds implicated former officials.
Mr. Mike Idoko and his team were directed to refund N243 million for 2020–2021, while Mr. Emmanuel Taman’s administration was held accountable for N434.3 million during 2021–2022.
Similarly, Mr. Dominic Iorfa and his associates were ordered to return N692.4 million for 2022–2023, N702.8 million for 2023–2024, and N371.4 million for 2024–2024.
The committee affirmed that all involved individuals and companies were given fair hearings.
Among its recommendations, the committee proposed that Lobi Stars should be fully registered as an independent company with revenue-generating responsibilities.
It also suggested that sponsorship funds be deposited directly into the club’s accounts and called for the Ministry of Sports to cease interference in the club’s daily operations to ensure transparency and accountability.