Former executive vice chairman of Lobi Stars Football Club, Dominic Iorfa, has dismissed accusations of financial misconduct during his tenure at the club, claiming instead that the Benue State government owes him over N400 million.
In an interview on the ECN Hard Truth programme, Iorfa rejected the allegations outlined in the state’s forensic audit report, which alleged financial mismanagement by former club officials. “They owe me over N400 million. I have documentation for it,” he stated, emphasising that he never embezzled funds as accused.
Iorfa, who made his return to the club in 2022 under the leadership of former governor Samuel Ortom, explained that under Ortom’s administration, there was transparency in funding. “The system was transparent. We had direct access to the Accountant General for match expenses and salaries,” he explained. However, he noted that financial difficulties escalated when Governor Hyacinth Alia assumed office.
Under Governor Alia’s leadership, the financial management process changed. Iorfa revealed that to release funds, the account had to be unlocked, leading to delays in receiving match funds and salaries. He said, “Sometimes, salaries or match funds would take a month to come. If he didn’t sign, you had to look for money elsewhere to play matches.”
Despite receiving funds for only 14 of the 57 matches Lobi Stars played during Iorfa’s tenure, including ten FA Cup games costing approximately N6 million each, Iorfa insisted there was no embezzlement. “If I was only given money for 14 matches and still managed to play 57, how can anyone say I embezzled money? I was borrowing money to run the club. I even owe so many people because of that,” he said.
The Benue State government had initiated a forensic audit in January 2024, scrutinising the financial activities of Lobi Stars from 2020 to 2024. The audit report accused three former vice chairmen, including Iorfa, of mismanaging funds, with Iorfa allegedly responsible for nearly N1.8 billion of the unaccounted amounts.
In response, Iorfa dismissed these findings as a smear campaign. “It’s just an attempt to destroy my name,” he said, reaffirming that all records show how the money was spent on the team.
Iorfa further reflected on the club’s recent performance, describing its relegation to the lower league in April 2025 as evidence of the decline under current management. “In the second round, they played 19 matches and won only one. Out of 38 points available, they got just six. That is the worst record ever,” he commented.
Despite his grievances, Iorfa said he holds no ill will and remains open to supporting the club. “I even called the chairman and said if they needed my help, I am from Benue State, and I will always be ready,” he revealed.
However, he expressed disappointment that the club declined his offer, adding that the current administration’s failure to take action led to their relegation. “If they truly knew, they would still be in the Premier League,” he remarked.
The crisis surrounding Iorfa’s tenure worsened when Governor Alia dismissed him in September 2024, appointing a six-member interim board to oversee the club’s operations. The situation reached a dramatic low with Lobi Stars’ relegation, marking a stark contrast to the club’s success in the 1999 Nigerian Premier League and its historical presence in continental competitions.
