The forensic panel of inquiry which was set up by the Benue State Government to review the operations of Lobi Stars Football Club in Makurdi, has confirmed that some former leaders of the club defrauded the side.
The panel directed three former vice chairmen of Lobi Stars to refund a total of two billion, four hundred and forty-five million, twelve thousand, five hundred and ninety-six naira, ninety-two kobo (₦2,445,012,596.92) back to the club.
This development follows the release of the White Paper report on the Forensic Audit Investigation, which examined the financial activities of Lobi Stars from January 2020 to September 2024.
In a statement released on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, noted that the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, inaugurated the Forensic Audit Investigation Committee led by San-Chir-Igba Donatus, ACA, on October 7, 2024. 
The committee’s mandate included reviewing the handover notes from the previous club board, assessing the club’s income, and providing recommendations to the government for the club’s advancement.
The report, submitted on November 24, 2024, revealed that during the audit period, Lobi Stars accrued three billion, seven hundred and fifty-nine million, eight hundred and twenty thousand, two hundred and sixty-nine naira, eighty-six kobo (₦3,759,820,269.86).
However, only one billion, three hundred and fourteen million, eight hundred and seven thousand, six hundred and seventy-two naira, ninety-four kobo (₦1,314,807,672.94) was properly accounted for, resulting in a discrepancy of ₦2,445,012,596.92.
The committee’s findings included specific recommendations for refunds by individuals associated with various fiscal years.
For example, Mike Idoko and his team are to refund two hundred and forty-three million, nine hundred and fifty-five thousand, eighty-one naira, forty-four kobo (₦243,955,081.44) for the 2020-2021 period, while Mr. Emmanuel Taman and his associates are responsible for four hundred and thirty-four million, three hundred and eighteen thousand, nine hundred and sixty-four naira, twelve kobo (₦434,318,964.12) for 2021-2022.
Also, Dominic Iorfa and his team are to return six hundred and ninety-two million, four hundred and fifty-three thousand, nine hundred and twenty-seven naira, sixty kobo (₦692,453,927.60) for the 2022-2023 period, seven hundred and two million, eight hundred and seventy-five thousand naira (₦702,875,000) for 2023-2024, and three hundred and seventy-one million, four hundred and nine thousand, six hundred and twenty-three naira, seventy-six kobo (₦371,409,623.76) for 2024-2025.
The committee emphasized that all individuals and companies involved in financial transactions with the club during the audit period were invited for discussions and given a fair chance to present their cases.
Among its recommendations, the committee suggested that Lobi Stars be formally registered as a company to enhance its revenue generation capabilities and that sponsorship funds be transferred directly to the club’s accounts.
It also recommended providing the club with greater autonomy by reducing the Ministry of Sports’ involvement in its daily operations, aiming for an independent and sustainable future for Lobi Stars Football Club.
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