The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign Jude Okoye, the elder brother and former manager of music duo P-Square, on charges of theft amounting to $1 million and £34,537.59. His arraignment will take place at the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja on Tuesday.
Justice Rahman Oshodi will preside over the four-count charge filed by the EFCC on January 27. Okoye was initially scheduled to appear in court on March 3, but the session was postponed due to his absence. The Ikoyi Correctional Centre, where he was remanded, stated that it had not received any directives for his arraignment.
According to the EFCC, Okoye dishonestly converted $767,544.15 that was paid to Lex Records Limited for digital music distribution and publishing royalties. This sum allegedly belonged to Peter Okoye, his younger brother and former P-Square member. The anti-graft agency also accused him of misappropriating £34,537.59 from 2016 to 2023, along with other funds from Kobalt Music and Mtech Limited.
The EFCC claims these acts violate Sections 278 and 285 of the Lagos State Criminal Law (2011).
Court Grants Jude Okoye ₦100 Million Bail
In a separate legal battle, the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday granted Jude Okoye bail set at ₦100 million. Justice Alexander Owoeye ruled that Okoye must provide two sureties in like sum. One must own a landed property, while the other must be a business owner with a verifiable address. Both must submit an affidavit of means.
The judge also ordered that Okoye’s property title and Bank Verification Number (BVN) be deposited with the court. Additionally, he is barred from traveling outside Nigeria while his trial is ongoing. He will remain in the Ikoyi Correctional Centre until his bail conditions are met.
The trial is set to commence on April 14. His brother, Paul Okoye (Rudeboy), was present in court to show support.
EFCC Accuses Jude Okoye of Money Laundering Involving ₦1.38 Billion
This is not the first legal trouble for Jude Okoye. On February 26, 2025, the EFCC arraigned him for alleged money laundering involving ₦1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59. His company, Northside Music Limited, was also named in the seven-count charge.
According to the EFCC, in 2022, Okoye purchased a property worth ₦850 million in Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, with proceeds from unlawful activities. The commission further alleged that he used a Bureau De Change to convert $1,019,762.87 into naira and distributed the funds across various accounts to conceal its illicit origin.
These actions, the EFCC argued, violate Section 18(2)(a) of the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act and are punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.
Okoye has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
A Family Feud in Court
It is disheartening to see two brothers, once united in music, now entangled in legal disputes. This case raises questions about trust and financial mismanagement in the Nigerian entertainment industry. While Okoye maintains his innocence, the court proceedings will determine whether he misappropriated funds meant for Peter Okoye.
As Nigerians await the Jude’s arraignment on Tuesday, one thing is certain—family and business don’t always mix well.
