The government of Benue State has instructed three former vice chairmen of Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi to return N2.4 billion to the state’s funds. The directive was issued following a forensic audit investigation into the club’s finances between January 2020 and September 2024. Governor Hyacinth Alia set up a committee to conduct the audit, which revealed discrepancies in the club’s financial records. The report highlighted that out of N3.7 billion earned by the club during the specified period, only N1.3 billion was properly documented, leaving a gap of N2.4 billion. The individuals implicated in the report have been asked to repay specific amounts corresponding to the years they were involved. The report also recommended changes in the club’s structure, including registering Lobi Stars as a full company to enhance revenue generation and ensuring sponsor funds are directly deposited into the club’s account. Additionally, it suggested that the Ministry of Sports should no longer have control over the club’s daily operations to ensure its independence.
Benue orders three ex-Lobi Stars officials to refund N2.4bn
