Benue Government Uncovers Mismanagement: Orders Billion Refund From Lobi Stars

Benue Government Uncovers Mismanagement: Orders Billion Refund From Lobi Stars

The Benue State Government’s forensic panel, assigned to investigate Lobi Stars Football Club’s operations in Makurdi, has uncovered fraudulent activities involving former club officials. The panel has mandated three former vice…Benue Government Uncovers Mismanagement: Orders Billion Refund From Lobi Stars

chairmen to repay a staggering total of ₦2,445,012,596.92 to the club.

This action is a result of the White Paper report derived from the forensic audit conducted on the club’s financial dealings from January 2020 to September 2024.

The investigation, led by San-Chir-Igba Donatus, ACA, was initiated by Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia on October 7, 2024. The committee was tasked with reviewing the previous board’s handover notes, assessing the club’s earnings, and advising the government for future direction.

The audit, completed and submitted on November 24, 2024, found that during the review period, Lobi Stars earned ₦3,759,820,269.86. However, only ₦1,314,807,672.94 was accounted for appropriately, revealing a discrepancy of over two billion naira.

The audit committee recommended specific refund amounts from individuals based on their tenures. For instance, Mike Idoko and his administration must return ₦243,955,081.44 for the 2020-2021 period, while Emmanuel Taman’s faction is liable for ₦434,318,964.12 for 2021-2022. Additionally, Dominic Iorfa’s group is required to repay amounts totaling ₦692,453,927.60 for 2022-2023, ₦702,875,000 for 2023-2024, and ₦371,409,623.76 for 2024-2025.

The committee emphasized that every individual and company involved in the club’s financial dealings during this period was given the opportunity to provide their accounts during the audit process. Among its recommendations, the committee suggested that Lobi Stars should be officially registered as a company to bolster its revenue generation and that sponsorship funds be deposited directly into the club’s accounts. Furthermore, it proposed granting the club more autonomy by lessening the Ministry of Sports’ involvement in its daily operations, facilitating an independent and sustainable future for Lobi Stars Football Club.

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