What appears a major controversy is thrilling a Forensic Audit Investigation into Lobi Stars FC, which has asked ex-officials including Dominic Iorfa, Mike Idoko and two former vice chairmen of the club to refund the sum of ₦2,445,012,596.92 to the coffers of the club.
According to Sports247, the discovering follows the White Paper report on the Forensic Audit Investigation into Lobi Stars FC for the period of January 2020 to September 2024, released by the Benue State government.
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, had on October 7, 2024, inaugurated a Forensic Audit Investigation Committee led by San-Chir-Igba Donatus to examine the funds of Lobi Stars FC, 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 ₦3,759,820,269.86 accrued to the club during the period in question, but ₦1,314,807,672.94 was accounted for, leaving a difference of ₦2,445,012,596.92.
The breakdown indicates that Idoko and others who worked with him are to refund the sum of ₦243,955,081.44 for the period of 2020-2021. The reports also stated that Mr. Emmanuel Taman and others who worked under Idoko are to refund ₦434,318,964.12 for 2021-2022.
The report further stated that Iorfa and others are to refund the sum of ₦692,453,927.60 for 2022-2023, and ₦702,875,000 for 2023-2024, as well as ₦371,409,623.76 for 2024-2025.
The committee said that all individuals and companies involved in financial transactions with the club within the time covered were formally invited and given fair hearing.
The Guardian, however, learnt yesterday that the Forensic Audit Investigation report has created a major division within top officials and supporters of Lobi Stars FC.
One of the officials, who on condition of anonymity said: “The government is looking for scapegoats, and this is creating more problem for the club than the solution they are trying to solve. A lot of people are angry with the report for ignoring all the amount of money we brought into the club’s account from Lobi Stars’ continental engagements. We will open up at the appropriate time,” the official said.
