The Benue State government has ordered three former vice chairs of Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi to refund the sum of N2.4 billion into the government coffers.

Tersoo Kula, the governor’s chief press secretary, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Makurdi, the state capital.

The statement said the order was necessitated by the white paper report on the forensic audit investigation into the club affairs between January 2020 and September 2024.

Governor Hyacinth Alia had, on October 7, 2024, inaugurated a Forensic Audit Investigation Committee led by Donatus San-Chir-Igba to examine the funds of Lobi Stars.

The terms of reference included studying handover notes submitted by the outgoing board, identifying the club’s income, making recommendations on appropriate actions to be taken in the interest of the club, and advising the government on the way forward.

According to the report submitted on November 24, 2024, N3.7 billion accrued to the club during the period in question, but only N1.3 billion was accounted for, leaving a difference of N2.4 billion.

“The breakdown indicates that Mr Mike Idoko and others who worked with him are to refund the sum of N243 million for the period of 2020-2021.

“Mr Emmanuel Taman and others who worked under him are to refund N434.3 million for 2021-2022. Mr Dominic Iorfa and others are to refund the sum of N692.4 million for 2022-2023 and N702.8 million for 2023-2024, as well as N371.4 million for 2024-2024,” the statement said.

It said that all officials involved in the financial transactions were invited for questioning.

“The committee recommended, among other things, that Lobi Stars be registered as a full company responsible for generating 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.” the statement stated.

(NAN)