Ex-Lobi Stars VC in fix as Barau FC begins probe on N1.5B allegations
The sacked vice chairman of Lobi Stars Football Club, Makurdi, Mr. Dominic Iorfa is presently in a fix as the authority of Barau Football Club, Kano has begun action on the petition which it received two weeks ago against its new General Manager.
Recall that Global Anti Corruption Watch through its Secretary, Barrister Nathaniel Iorapu had few weeks ago petitioned the Senate President and chairman of Barau FC, Senator Jibril Barau, asking him to sack Iorfa so he can face the N1.5B fraud case hanging on his neck at the EFCC.
Through the petition dated September 19, 2023 with Reference Number GAW/092025/2765, the anti corruption group said that keeping Iorfa as the General Manager of a club owned by the Senate President will hinder the EFCC probe as the sacked Lobi Stars vice chairman must be brought to account for the financial recklessness under him in Lobi Stars.
Meanwhile, the group issued another statement where it accused Iorfa of trying to make the public believe that his current ordeal as a result of fraudulent activities in Lobi Stars is being sponsored by top officials of Lobi Stars especially his successor, Mr. Philip Nongu.
Barrister Nathaniel Iorapu stated in the statement, a copy which was obtained by this newspaper that Mr. Iorfa is using his media handlers to cover his massive frauds by posting cheap allegation that his ordeal in the hands of the EFCC was sponsored by his former colleagues in Lobi Stars especially, Nongu who succeeded him after he was unceremoniously dismissed by Governor Hyacinth Alia last year..
Meanwhile, the authority of Barau Football Club has begun investigation on the petition with a vow to dismiss Mr. Dominic Iorfa if he is found culpable in the allegations made against him by the petitioners.
A statement posted on Facebook by Barau Football Club Media Director, Mr. Ahmad Hamisu Gwale explained that the club will not tolerate any official that is facing corruption charges owing to the status of the club owner, Deputy Senate President Jibril Barau.
Recently, a Commission of Inquiry set up by the State Government indicted Iorfa, claiming that he embezzlement a whooping N1.5B Lobi Stars funds.
Also recall that an anti corruption group called Global Anti Corruption Watch petitioned Barau Football Club through Deputy Senate President Jibril Barau, asking him to review the appointment as Mr. Iorfa is facing charges in Benue state over a theft of N1.5B belonging to Lobi Stars where he worked for years as a Vice Chairman and CEO.
Dominic Iorfa, as a way to cover his multiple corrupt acts recently accused the Benue state government of witch hunting him and owing him N400 million which he borrowed to sustain the Club during his time as the technical head.
Joining Iorfa to blackmail the state governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia and the current Vice Chairman of the club, Mr. Philip Nongu was a coach In the club, Mr. Austin Tyowua who has been using about three pseudo Facebook accounts to blackmail the governor and Nongu. One of the fake pseudo accounts that is being operated by Tyowua to blackmail the governor bears “Hillary Agber”
Recall that there were confirmed allegations of massive frauds, illegal diversion of club vehicles as well as match fixing against Iorfa while he was leading the team.
Apart from his high-handedness, Iorfa was also accused of owing players and staff. He was also fixing their funds in his private bank accounts on several occasions in order to get bank interests.
All these allegations led to his unceremonious sack by Governor Hyacinth Alia two years ago after they were found to be true.
But, an independent investigation by this newspaper showed that Iorfa was being economical with truths with his statements during the recent interview.
This newspaper gathered that the sacked Lobi Stars Vice Chairman has also made plans to attack his successor, Mr. Philip Nongu with the support of some paid media influencers.
Iorfa, it was gathered has directed his media handlers to falsely accuse Nongu for corruption, match fixing and inflation of expenses.