The trial of Jude Okoye, former manager of P-Square, and his company, Northside Music Ltd, on a four-count charge of alleged financial misappropriation, has been adjourned to October 10 and 17, 2025, for continuation of trial.
According to Vanguard, the case before Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, stems from the arraignment of Jude Okoye and Northside Music Ltd by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges bordering on alleged theft amounting to ₦1 million and £34,537.
At the recent hearing, the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC presented its first prosecution witness, Peter Obumuneme Okoye (a.k.a. Mr. P), against Jude Chigozie Okoye.
One of the charges alleges that Jude and Northside Music Ltd dishonestly converted the sum of $767,544.15 to their personal use. Jude pleaded not guilty to all charges.
In his testimony, Peter narrated how he was allegedly defrauded by his brother Jude and the company. However, under cross-examination, the defence counsel, Onwuenwunor, accused Peter of inconsistencies and deliberate falsehoods meant to mislead the EFCC and damage Jude Okoye’s reputation.
The defence highlighted contradictions in Peter’s claims about his academic qualifications. While he had stated to the EFCC that he graduated from the University of Abuja, under cross-examination he admitted he had not completed his studies, clarifying that he only “attended” the university.
Further documentary evidence showed that both Peter and his twin brother Paul had signatory access to Northside Entertainment Ltd’s bank accounts. Contrary to Peter’s assertion that Jude was the sole signatory, a bank mandate revealed that Jude was a Category A signatory, while Peter and Paul were Category B signatories.
The defence also tendered bank statements showing Peter had personally withdrawn significant sums in both naira and dollars, and received multiple direct transfers from Jude Okoye—contradicting Peter’s sworn claim that he never benefitted financially from the company.
On the issue of royalty payments from Mad Solutions, the defence presented signed documents showing that Jude, Peter, and Paul had all entered into the agreement. Contrary to Peter’s claims that he was unaware of the deal and only received $25,000 and $20,000 respectively, bank records showed he actually received $4,330.47 and $5,837.35 as his first and second royalty payments.
“Peter’s testimony before the EFCC is riddled with lies and misrepresentations. He has made multiple assertions that have now been shown to be false under cross-examination. This is not just a matter of forgetfulness. This is an intentional effort to mislead investigators and this honourable court,” Onwuenwunor stated.
Justice Oshodi admitted several of the bank documents and EFCC statements into evidence and advised the defence to share all relevant documents with the prosecution in advance of the next hearing.
“If you intend to use a document, make it available to them to make the trial faster,” the judge cautioned.
