The trial of Jude Okoye, former manager of the popular music group P-Square, began yesterday before the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, with a dramatic turn as his younger brother, Peter Okoye, testified against him.
Jude, alongside his company, Northside Music Limited, is facing a seven-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging money laundering involving N1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59. The trial is being presided over by Justice Alexander Owoeye.
The case was initiated following a petition written to the EFCC by Peter Okoye himself, who accused his elder brother of financial impropriety during his time as the group’s manager.
One of the charges filed by the EFCC claims that in 2022, Jude Okoye and Northside Music Limited acquired a property at No. 5 Tony Eromosele Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, worth N850 million, knowing that the funds used were proceeds of unlawful activity, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Jude has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty.
During the trial’s opening day, Peter Okoye, who introduced himself in court as Peter Obumuneme Okoye, recounted how Jude allegedly defrauded him.
He described his brother as the former manager of the P-Square group and explained that while the group initially started in 1997–98, Jude became their manager after they had worked with other professionals.
He said Jude was the sole signatory to all their business accounts in Ecobank, Zenith Bank, and FCMB, and that this arrangement gave him unchecked access and control over their finances.
Peter detailed several troubling incidents during Jude’s tenure, including the time when funding for the construction of his personal residence in Ikoyi was abruptly halted for six months.
According to him, the project was financed by Northside Entertainment Limited, but Jude’s exclusive control over the accounts meant that when issues arose, he had no access to funds.
He recalled how, after confronting Jude and his twin brother Paul, he was told that by leaving P-Square, he had forfeited the money.
Peter said he sought legal advice from their lawyer, Festus Keyamo, SAN, who at the time suggested creating a financial sharing formula.
Peter also described a later discovery in 2022 that raised even more concerns. While attempting to negotiate the licensing of P-Square’s albums, interested parties requested the group’s financial statements and backend earnings, which Peter said he couldn’t provide because he had no access.
This prompted him to question his brother Paul again, who claimed he didn’t know much about the situation and advised Peter to speak directly with Jude.
Peter said Jude later claimed that Peter’s share of the money was with some individuals in South Africa. Peter responded that he wasn’t asking for money but simply wanted to see the backend and the financial statements. Still, he received no satisfactory response.
Frustrated by the lack of transparency, Peter said he went as far as contacting account officers at Ecobank and Zenith Bank but was again met with vague explanations and no resolution.
He told the court that at that point, he realized something was seriously wrong and decided to escalate the matter through a formal petition.
The case is expected to continue as more evidence is presented and additional witnesses are called to testify. The EFCC has indicated that it will trace the flow of funds and examine offshore transactions linked to the alleged laundering.
If found guilty, Jude Okoye faces stiff penalties under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
The case, involving members of one of Nigeria’s most beloved musical families, has drawn significant public attention and reopened discussions around artist management, financial transparency, and family disputes in the entertainment industry.