Former Vice Chairman of Lobi Stars, Mike Idoko has expressed his innocence and denied any financial impropriety during his time in Lobi Stars Sports247 reports.
This is in response to the final report of the Forensic Audit Investigation Committee instituted by the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia, headed by San- Chir- Igba Donatus.
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The report indicated that Mr Mike Idoko and two others failed to account for two hundred and forty three million, nine hundred and forty five thousand, and eighty one naira, forty four kobo ( #243, 955, 081:44) for the period of 2020-2021and subsequently has been asked to refund the money.
In a chat with Sports247, Mike Idoko cleared himself off any financial impropriety, neither did he take any money belonging to the Lobi Stars nor misappropriated any funds.
” Let me say this, I didn’t take any money that or misappropriated any during my stay at Lobi Stars, these are allegations and there is a need to clear my name” said Mike Idoko when asked for his reaction on the audit report.
He spoke further on the matter, ” I must unequivocally state that the claims against my person and tenure are both distressing and misrepresentative of my unwavering commitment and sacrifices for the club.”
Idoko continued; ” One of my earliest initiatives upon taking over the club was to institute transparency and accountability in all financial and administrative operations. I introduced a system where all payments—salaries, bonuses, and other entitlements—were made directly to players and staff through their bank accounts.”
” This ensured that everyone received their due promptly and accurately while eliminating loopholes for potential mismanagement of funds.”
However, he ruled out using the law court to seek redress, rather he will seek other means within the system to clear his name, as he respects the investigative process and the intent to ensure transparency and accountability and submit that the truth will prevail soonest.
” I reaffirm my willingness to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigative processes to clear my name and protect the legacy of Lobi Stars FC—a club I have nurtured like my own child. I remain confident that the truth will prevail, and my enduring contributions to Nigerian football will speak for themselves,” he affirmed.
