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Tag: Jude Okoye

  • Alleged $1m theft: Jude Okoye’s wife owns 800,000 shares in company – witness

    Alleged $1m theft: Jude Okoye’s wife owns 800,000 shares in company – witness

    The trial of music executive Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, continued on Thursday before Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos.

    Okoye is facing a four-count charge of theft filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which alleges that he diverted over $1 million into Northside Music Limited, a company said to be operated by him and his wife between 2016 and 2023. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

    During the resumed hearing, the defence counsel, Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN), continued the cross-examination of Prosecution Witness 1 (PW1), Peter Okoye, confronting him with statements of account belonging to Northside Music Limited. The senior advocate read out several transactions listed in the bank records, including multiple payments allegedly made to Peter Okoye himself, his wife, and third-party beneficiaries.

    Some of the transactions referenced include:

    N2 million to Peter Okoye on December 23, 2012

    N2 million to Peter Okoye on January 3, 2023

    N1 million to Peter Okoye on January 12, 2023

    N8 million to Travelling Better on January 23, 2023

    N6.5 million to Peter Okoye on January 19, 2023

    N2.5 million to Titilola (PW1’s wife) on January 23, 2023

    Additional payments to both Peter Okoye and Travelling Better through December 2023

    Responding, Peter Okoye told the court that the account in question belonged to their joint business interests. “This statement of account belongs to me and my brother,” he said. “We are P-Square. The company belongs to Peter and Paul. It was registered by him. I reported to the EFCC when I discovered funds were being diverted, and EFCC brought the matter to court.”

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    He further revealed that he discovered another company, Northside Entertainment Ltd, which he alleged was also diverting funds belonging to the P-Square business. He stated that the defendant’s wife owns 800,000 shares in one of the companies under scrutiny.

    The defence sought to tender documents attached to the original petition submitted to the EFCC, arguing that the documents were essential to their case. However, the prosecuting counsel, Bashir, objected, insisting the documents were public documents and that the defence had only provided stamped copies that did not meet the proper legal requirements for admissibility.

    In a brief ruling, Justice Oshodi held that although the documents originated from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and later came into EFCC custody, they failed to satisfy admissibility standards.

    “I reject the documents and mark them as rejected,” the judge ruled.

    PW1 also confirmed that he wrote a statement to the EFCC after his lawyer submitted the petition.

    Justice Oshodi adjourned the trial to February 20 and 27, 2026, for continuation.

  • I’m more successful as a solo artist – Peter Okoye slams Jude Okoye

    I’m more successful as a solo artist – Peter Okoye slams Jude Okoye

    Singer Peter Okoye of the music duo P-Square has responded to recent remarks made by his elder brother, Jude Okoye, regarding former artists who left his record label.

    Jude had claimed via Instagram that those artists, including Peter, owed their success to his support, but became greedy and eventually struggled after leaving.

    In a sharp rebuttal, Peter asserted that respect must be earned, not demanded, regardless of age. He also recalled a past incident where Jude’s comments to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) caused him personal trouble.

    Peter clarified that Jude was not offering brotherly support but was employed as P-Square’s manager — a position he held like others before being let go.

    He further revealed that his solo career has been more financially rewarding than his time with P-Square, noting he now enjoys both peace of mind and a greater sense of fulfilment.

    Peter concluded by stressing the value of mutual respect, stating that he now treats people based on how they treat him and is committed to matching energy with energy.

    Read Also: Peter Okoye blasts brothers over royalty dispute

    He wrote, “JUST because you’re older doesn’t mean you deserve respect. Respect is earned, not given. Calling me broke or wishing I were broke has been your wish. These are the exact same words you told the EFCC officials. And you ended up getting locked up in prison. Of course, again, you have to come up with another narrative, “Broke” Let’s set the record straight: you were shouldering who? Maybe them, but not me. Agbaya, you were employed as a manager by Peter and Paul PSQUARE, and you got sacked, just like the other 2 managers before you. Period!

    “I understand this may not sit well with some people, but truth be told, aside from my businesses, what I now earn on my own as a solo artiste is more than what I used to earn after splitting three ways as PSQUARE, plus the so-called manager. I am talking about both shows and endorsements. It really makes me question the point of sharing with people who stole from you, betrayed you, and still discriminate against your efforts!?

    “This solo journey has been a blessing—more rewarding and profitable, financially and personally, no doubt. And it has also brought peace of mind. And if you don’t relate or it doesn’t make sense to you, no worries—it’s not meant to. But I am grateful. But again, despite being in court! Una never still answers the question, una thief abi una no thief? Ndi ori.

    “I have stopped playing nice and being the mature one while getting disrespected! I started treating people exactly how they treat me. Respect me, I respect you! Ignore me, I ignore you! Cross me, and I cut you off, simple.

    “Life isn’t about begging people for fair treatment! It’s about matching energy.

    It is what it is. Tit for tat! I stayed real, I stayed strong, and I stopped letting people walk over me. Peter Okoye.”

  • Ex-manager of P-Square gets N50m bail over alleged $1m, £34,537 theft

    Ex-manager of P-Square gets N50m bail over alleged $1m, £34,537 theft

    Justice Rahman Oshodi of Lagos Special Offences Court, Ikeja has granted bail to  Jude Okoye, the former manager of the hip-hop artists of the defunct music group, P-square, in alleged theft of $1,019,763.87 and £34,537.59.

    The judge admitted him to bail of N50 million with two sureties in like sum and ordered that the defendant should deposit his two international passports with the registrar of the court.

    Justice Oshodi stated: “The defendant shall submit his two passports, Nigerian and St. Kitts and Nevis to the Registrar of this court and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, shall notify the Nigerian Immigration Service of withholding the passports pending the determination of this case.”

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    He ordered that the addresses of the sureties be verified and must show evidence of tax payment in the last three years to Lagos State Government. Jude Okoye, the elder brother of Peter Okoye (alias Mr P) and Paul Okoye (a.k.a Rude boy) is standing trial alongside his company, Northside Music Limited. He was arraigned on a four-count charge on stealing but the defendant denied the charges and pleaded not guilty.

    During the proceeding, defence counsel, Mr. Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN), moved the bail application on behalf of the first defendant. In the application dated February 27, he prayed the court to grant bail to the defendant, adding that he should be released to his younger brother, Paul, who he stated is willing to take him on bail.

  • Court remands P-Square Jude Okoye over alleged $1m, £34,500 theft

    Court remands P-Square Jude Okoye over alleged $1m, £34,500 theft

    Justice Rahman Oshodi of an Ikeja Special Offences Court has remanded the elder brother and former manager of Paul and Peter Okoye of the defunct music group, P-Square, in the custodial centre of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Ikoyi over alleged stealing of  $1,019,762.86 and £34,537.59.

    Jude Okoye would remain in Ikoyi Custodial Centre pending hearing of his bail application scheduled for March 6.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Jude Okoye on a four-count charge offence of conversion of a total sum of $1,019,762.86 and £34,537.59.

    Jude was arraigned alongside his company, Northside Music Limited, before Justice Oshodi on a four-count charge bordering on stealing.

    He pleaded not guilty to the charges alongside his company.

    Following his not guilty plea, the prosecuting counsel, M. K Bashir, prayed the court for a trial date.

    “My Lord, we have 29 witnesses and some are within the  jurisdiction. We have  listed the witnesses. But we intend to call 10 within jurisdiction,” he said.

    The defendant’s counsel, Climate Onwuenwunor (SAN), did not object to the prosecutors request for a trial date.

    Read Also: Absence of Psquare’s ex-manager, Jude Okoye, stalls arraignment

    “My Lord, we are fully prepared for the trial.

    “My Lord the defendant has an application dated February 27, 2025.

    “The defendant was first arraigned and granted bail at the Federal High Court.

    I have shared the copy of the CTC of that ruling with my learned friend the prosecutor.

    “I plead if the bail application can also be applied to this matter, I ask for a short date for hearing and for the defendant to still remain on the administrative bail granted by the EFCC pending the hearing,” he pleaded.

  • EFCC arraigns Jude Okoye over alleged $1m, £34,500 theft

    EFCC arraigns Jude Okoye over alleged $1m, £34,500 theft

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday arraigned Jude Okoye, former manager of defunct music group P-Square, over alleged theft of $1,019,763.87 and £34,537.59.

    In the fresh charges marked Ref/99260/2025, alongside his company, Northside Music Limited, he is facing a fresh four-count charge before Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja.

    Prosecutor Mohammed Bashiru told the court that Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, allegedly converted $767,544.15 for his personal use.

    The sum was paid by Lex Records Limited for music digital distribution and publishing royalties, allegedly to deprive Peter Okoye of his special interest in the property.

    The alleged offences occurred between 2016 and 2023.

    One of the charges reads: “Jude Chigozie Okoye and Northside Music Ltd sometimes in 2016 and 2023 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly converted to your own use, an aggregate sum of $767,544.15 (Seven hundred and sixty-seven thousand, Five hundred and forty-four dollars, Fifteen cents) which sum was paid by Lex Records Limited as payment for music digital distribution/publishing royalties and with intent to permanently deprive Peter Obunmuneme Okoye his special interest in the property.”

    Read Also: Absence of Psquare’s ex-manager, Jude Okoye, stalls arraignment

    Another charge reads: “Jude Chigozie Okoye and Northside Music Limited between 2016 and 2023 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly converted to your own use, an aggregate sum of GBP 34,537.59 (Thirty-four thousand, five hundred and thirty-seven pounds, Fifty-nine pence), which sum was paid by Lex Records Limited as payment for music digital distribution/publishing royalties and with intent to permanently deprive Peter Obunmuneme Okoye his special interest in the property.”

    According to the prosecutor, Okoye dishonestly converted £34,537.59, $133,566.49, and $118,652.23, paid by Lex Records Limited, Kobalt Music, and Mtech Limited, respectively.

    The alleged offences, which took place between 2016 and 2023, contravene sections 278 and 285 of the Lagos State criminal laws 2011.

    Okoye, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The development came after the Federal High Court granted Okoye bail in the sum of N100m, with two sureties, in a similar case of seven counts.

  • Absence of Psquare’s ex-manager, Jude Okoye, stalls arraignment

    Absence of Psquare’s ex-manager, Jude Okoye, stalls arraignment

    The absence of Jude Okoye yesterday stalled his arraignment and that of his company, Northside Music Ltd, before Justice Rahman Oshodi of an Ikeja Special Offences Court.

    During the proceedings, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuting counsel, M.K. Bashir, told the court that the defendant couldn’t be produced by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) custodial centre.

    But counsel to the defendant, E.I Asuzu informed the court that the defendant was before Justice Alexander Owoeye of Federal High Court, Lagos.

    “My lord, the defendant is before justice Owoeye of the Federal High Court. His bail application was taken last week Friday, and today is for the ruling.

    “I got in touch with the prison officers, and they assured me that they will bring the defendant to court once the ruling is delivered. I pray for a short stand down, my Lord,” he said

    Justice Rahman Oshodi, after listening to both parties in his ruling, gave a short stand down.

    When the judge called up the matter again, the defendant’s counsel, E.I Asuzu apologized to the court and pleaded for a further date as the defendant was unable to make it to court.

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    “My Lord, I apologize to this court as we are unable to produce the defendant. We were given assurance that he would be here. We apologize, Milord.

    “He has been granted bail before Justice Owoeye. I pray for an earlier date, my Lord, so we can come back for his arraignment,” he added

    The EFCC prosecuting counsel, M.K. Bashir, told the court that the defendant had been granted bail but was still within the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Services.

    “My Lord, we ask for issuance of reproduction warrant against his arraignment”, he said.

    Justice Rahman Oshodi issued a reproduction warrant for the defendant.

    “I issued a reproduction warrant to Ikoyi Custodial Center to produce the defendant, and I adjourned to March 4, 2025, for arraignment.”

  • Court to rule on Jude Okoye’s bail in N1.38b case March 3

    Court to rule on Jude Okoye’s bail in N1.38b case March 3

    A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, yesterday heard the bail application of Jude Okoye, who is facing money laundering charges.

    Okoye, the elder brother and former manager of the defunct music duo Psquare, was arraigned on Wednesday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    He is accused of laundering N1.38 billion, $1 million and £34,537.59 through his company, Northside Music Ltd.

    The EFCC filed a seven-count charge against Okoye and his company before Justice Alexander Owoeye.

    According to the charges, Okoye allegedly used illicit funds to acquire a property worth N850 million in Ikoyi, Lagos, and converted over $1 million through a bureau de change to conceal its source.

    Okoye pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    His counsel, Inibehe Effiong, urged the court to grant him bail and requested that he be held in EFCC custody pending the ruling.

    However, the prosecution counsel, Larry Peters Aso, opposed the request, citing congestion in EFCC detention facilities and urging the court to remand Okoye in a correctional centre.

    At the resumption of proceedings yesterday, the prosecution filed a counter-affidavit, arguing that Okoye posed a flight risk and could interfere with witnesses.

    Effiong, however, maintained that his client had fully cooperated with investigators and did not intend to evade trial.

    Read Also: EFCC arraigns Jude Okoye for alleged N1.3bn fraud

    He also told the court that Paul Okoye, popularly known as Rudeboy, was present in court to stand as a surety for his brother.

    Justice Owoeye instructed him to submit his documents through his lawyer and scheduled the bail ruling for March 3.

    He also set Okoye’s trial to begin on April 14.

    The charge read:  “That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometime in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did directly acquire a landed property known as No 5, Tony Eromosele Street Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos worth ₦850,000,000.00 (Eight hundred and fifty million naira) only, which money you knew or reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022,” the counts read in part.

    “That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometime in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did indirectly using bureau de change convert the sum of $1,019,762.87 (One million nineteen thousand, seven hundred and six-two dollars eighty-seven cents), domiciled in Access Bank Plc operated by Northside Music Ltd to the naira equivalent and remitted into various bank accounts to conceal that the said fund form part of the proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2)(a) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

  • EFCC arraigns Jude Okoye for alleged N1.3bn fraud

    EFCC arraigns Jude Okoye for alleged N1.3bn fraud

    Jude Okoye, the former manager of the defunct music group P-Square, has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges of money laundering involving N1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59.

    According to Channels TV, the charges were presented in court with his company, Northside Music Ltd., in a seven-count indictment.

    Okoye pleaded “not guilty” to the charges but Justice Alexander Owoeye adjourned the case until February 28 for a bail hearing and April 14 for trial.

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    In the meantime, Okoye will be remanded in the Ikoyi correctional facility.

    The allegations against Okoye include indirectly using a bureau de change to convert $1,019,762.87 into its naira equivalent and remitting it into various bank accounts with the intention of concealing that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity.

    He’s also accused of acquiring a property valued at N850,000,000, which he knew or reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of unlawful activity.

  • Jude Okoye breaks silence on PSquare controversy

    Jude Okoye breaks silence on PSquare controversy

    Former manager of and elder brother of PSquare, Jude Okoye has addressed the recent controversies surrounding the group’s members, Peter and Paul Okoye.

    In an Instagram live session, Jude denied Peter’s allegations of fraud, claiming that Peter “twisted” the situation to make it appear fraudulent.

    Jude expressed frustration at being involved in his brothers’ disputes, stating that people always expect him to settle their issues.

    He emphasised that his family is in order and that Peter and Paul should focus on resolving their own problems.

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    Jude also mentioned that he has sacrificed himself to the point of exhaustion, trying to mediate between his brothers.

    As reported by The Nation, the rift between twin brothers Paul (Rudeboy) and Peter (Mr P) Okoye of the defunct P-Square group has escalated, with both artists making public accusations against each other.

    Paul Okoye revealed in an interview that the group had broken up again, accusing Peter of involving him and their elder brother, Jude Okoye, in a case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged fraudulent dealings.

    In response, Peter Okoye wrote an open letter to Paul, accusing him of tarnishing his image and claiming that Paul and Jude collaborated to defraud him.

    Jude, therefore, asked his brothers to take responsibility for their own actions and businesses, rather than relying on him to resolve their conflicts.

    He said: “These people [Peter and Paul] have children that are teenagers. If they were in America, they would be grandfathers now. Why is it that Peter always involved me in their fight? It’s because he had that impression that people always called Jude, the elder one, [to say] ‘go and settle your brothers, go and put your family in order’.

    “What do you mean by go and put your family in order? My family is in order. Let them put their family in order. If they are doing business together, let them put it in order. I have tried to the point I sacrificed myself.”

  • NDLEA arraigns 58-year-old alleged drug baron

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Thursday arraigned a 58-year-old alleged drug baron before a Jos Federal High Court for illegal possession of tons of hard drugs.

    The Jos based accused, Jude Okoye alias Zuma, was arrested by officers of the agency on June 9, 2017 at his store in Apata quarters, Jos North Local Government of Plateau.

    Okoye is being tried on an eight-count charge of unlawful possession of 1, 372Kg of Tramadol drug, 1, 089 Kg of cough syrup containing codeine, 28. 3 Kg Diazepam injection.

    Also in his possession was 16Kg of Pentazocine injection, all alleged to be Psychotropic substances similar to cocaine and heroin.

    Others substances allegedly found in his possessions include; 18Kg of cough syrup containing codeine, 200gm of Lorazepam tablets, 250gm of Tramadol and 100gm of Pentazocine Injection.

    The NDLEA prosecuting counsel, Mr Buhari Abdullahi told Justice Dorathy Agishi that by possessing such hard drugs the suspect had committed offences contrary and punishable under sections 19 of the NDLEA Act Cap N30 Law of the Federation 2004.

    When the charges were read to the accused, he pleaded not guilty, and the prosecution prayed the court to commence trial.

    “My Lord, the frightening aspect is that most of the hard drugs found in the accused possession are expired drugs, which if they find their way into the market would have posed serious danger to the lives of innocent Nigerians, ” he said.

    Two officers of the NDLEA gave testimonies of the arrest and substances found in the possession of the baron.

    Mr Etsu Daniel, the agency exhibit keeper told the court the exact quantity of each of the substances found in Jude’s possession and presented them to the court as exhibits.

    Mr Umar Shettiem, the defence counsel, cross examined the witnesses on their testimonies against his client.

    The prosecution later sought for adjournment to present more witnesses.

    Justice Agishi has adjourned the case to April 23 and 24 for continuation of hearing.

    NAN