By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Three former Vice Chairmen of Lobi Stars Football Club, Makurdi, have been directed to refund a total sum of N2,445,012,596.92 (Two Billion, Four Hundred and Forty-Five Million, Twelve Thousand, Five Hundred and Ninety-Six Naira, Ninety-Two Kobo) to the club’s account.
The directive was issued following the release of a white paper report by the Benue State Government. The report is based on a forensic audit investigation into the club’s finances covering the period from January 2020 to September 2024.
In a statement issued by Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, it was revealed that the audit uncovered significant financial discrepancies. The report disclosed that the club received a total of N3,759,820,269.86 (Three Billion, Seven Hundred and Fifty-Nine Million, Eight Hundred and Twenty Thousand, Two Hundred and Sixty-Nine Naira, Eighty-Six Kobo) during the period. However, only N1,314,807,672.94 (One Billion, Three Hundred and Fourteen Million, Eight Hundred and Seven Thousand, Six Hundred and Seventy-Two Naira, Ninety-Four Kobo) was properly accounted for, leaving an unaccounted balance of N2,445,012,596.92.
Breakdown of Refunds
The white paper detailed the amounts to be refunded by the individuals involved:
- Mike Idoko and his team are to refund N243,955,081.44.
- Emmanuel Taman and his team are to refund N434,318,964.12.
- Dominic Iorfa, another former Vice Chairman, and his team are to refund N692,453,927.60.
Recommendations
The committee, chaired by San-Chir-Igba Donatus, also recommended measures to improve the club’s management. Key among these is granting Lobi Stars Football Club full independence to operate without interference from the Ministry of Sports.
The report emphasized that this independence is essential to ensure proper management of the club’s resources and enhance its overall performance.
This development follows Governor Alia’s commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in public institutions. The refund order sends a strong message against financial mismanagement in the state’s organizations.
