From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Three former vice chairmen of Lobi Stars Football Club, Makurdi, are to refund a sum of ₦2,445,012,596.92 to the coffers of the club.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Friday.
According to the statement, the action followed the White Paper report on the Forensic Audit Investigation into Lobi Stars Football Club for the period of January 2020 to September 2024, released by the Benue State government.
Recall that the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on October 7, 2024, inaugurated a Forensic Audit Investigation Committee led by San-Chir-Igba Donatus, 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.
The report, which was submitted on the 24th of November, 2024, showed that the sum of ₦3,759,820,269.86 accrued to the club during the period in question, but only ₦1,314,807,672.94 was accounted for, leaving a difference of ₦2,445,012,596.92.
The breakdown indicates that Mr. Mike Idoko and others who worked with him are to refund the sum of ₦243,955,081.44 for the period of 2020-2021.
It also states that Mr. Emmanuel Taman and others who worked under him are to refund ₦434,318,964.12 for 2021-2022.
In the same vein, Mr. Dominic Iorfa and others are to refund the sum of ₦692,453,927.60 for 2022-2023, ₦702,875,000 for 2023-2024, as well as ₦371,409,623.76 for 2024-2025.
The committee said all individuals and companies involved in financial transactions with the club within the time covered were formally invited and given fair hearing.
They 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.