Court Adjourns Trial of Jude Okoye to October 23 and November 10

Justice A. Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has adjourned further hearings in the ₦1.38 billion fraud case involving Jude Okoye, elder brother and former manager of the pop duo P-Square, to October 23 and November 10, 2025.

Jude Okoye, alongside his company, Northside Music Limited, is facing a seven-count charge filed by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which pertains to money laundering and the fraudulent diversion of royalties.

One of the charges reads:

“That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Limited, sometime in 2022… did directly acquire a landed property… worth ₦850,000,000.00, which money you knew or reasonably ought to have known formed part of proceeds of unlawful act…”

Jude has pleaded not guilty since his arraignment on February 26, 2025.

Peter Okoye Testifies Against Brother

During cross-examination, Peter Okoye (Mr. P), the first prosecution witness (PW1), claimed he had no access to the accounts of Northside Entertainment while he was under management.

He stated:

“I never signed any cheque and had no access to the accounts… The money I received was not royalty — the account also got millions from endorsements and shows.”

However, documents presented by the defence showed:

• Jude Okoye owns 80% of Northside Music Limited — not his wife Ifeoma, as earlier claimed by Peter.

• Peter and Paul Okoye (Rudeboy) were listed as Category B signatories, contrary to Peter’s claim of zero access.

• Royalty payments from Lex Records between 2012 and 2017 were traced to the company’s Ecobank account.

Judge Cautions Peter

Justice Owoeye had to caution Peter Okoye for his hostile demeanor during questioning, urging him to remain respectful in court.

The case stems from a petition Peter Okoye filed in December 2023, alleging that Jude and his wife Ifeoma Okoye siphoned millions of dollars in royalties into a private account under the guise of a company, Northside Music Limited, which he claimed to have only discovered in late 2022.

Peter clarified:

“I want to make it clear that I never reported my twin brother Paul to the EFCC.”

Jude Okoye, in response, expressed dismay over the allegations, stating:

“This guy came to my compound to play with my son, knowing fully well he just submitted a petition against me. I almost lost my mind.”

The EFCC’s probe led to Jude’s arraignment for laundering ₦1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59. The case will continue on the new adjourned dates.