Court Remands P-Square’s Brother And Ex-Manager Jude Okoye In Prison Over Alleged N1.3Billion, $1Million, £34,000 Fraud
In a dramatic turn of events, Jude Okoye, the elder brother of the popular Nigerian music duo P-Square, has been remanded in prison on allegations of committing severe financial crimes. On February 26, 2025, Okoye, along with his company, Northside Music Ltd, was arraigned in the Federal High Court in Lagos, facing a seven-count charge related to money laundering and other financial frauds. This case has attracted widespread media attention, not only because of the high-profile nature of the individuals involved but also due to the considerable sums of money allegedly misappropriated.
The accusations against Okoye and his company are serious, involving a variety of illegal financial activities such as money laundering, fraud, and conspiracy. The charges highlight a sophisticated scheme in which large sums of money, in the form of both local and foreign currencies, were allegedly handled improperly. The charges are centered on Okoye’s alleged use of illegal funds for personal and business gains, along with the suspected concealment of these funds through various financial maneuvers.
Jude Okoye, alongside his company Northside Music Ltd, faces charges related to fraudulent activities that span across various financial crimes. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the agency responsible for tackling economic crimes in Nigeria, initiated the investigation into Okoye’s financial dealings. The charges revolve around several key incidents that occurred in 2022, and they involve the illicit handling of large sums of money—₦1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59.
- Money Laundering and Illegal Acquisition of Property One of the primary allegations against Jude Okoye is the illegal acquisition of a property worth ₦850 million in Lagos. The property in question, located at No. 5, Tony Eromosele Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, was allegedly purchased using proceeds that Okoye and his company knew or should have known were the result of unlawful acts. This is a clear violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which makes it illegal for anyone to acquire assets using funds that have been obtained through criminal activities.
- Conversion of Foreign Currency into Naira Another serious charge revolves around a transaction that took place in 2022, in which Okoye and his company allegedly used a Bureau de Change operator to convert over $1 million into naira. The foreign currency was reportedly domiciled in Access Bank Plc, and the funds were later remitted into various accounts in a bid to conceal their origins. This act is a direct violation of the Money Laundering Act, which prohibits such efforts to disguise the sources of funds acquired through unlawful means.
- Other Financial Crimes In addition to the charges of money laundering and illicit property acquisition, Okoye faces additional counts of conspiracy and fraud. The exact details of these charges are still emerging, but they further allege that he engaged in a deliberate effort to launder money through various means, including the use of intermediaries such as Bureau de Change operators.
The Federal High Court in Lagos became the focal point for the case when Jude Okoye and his company were brought before Justice Alexander Owoeye. The court proceedings began with Okoye facing the seven-count charge, which outlines the specifics of his alleged financial crimes. According to the prosecution, Okoye’s actions have caused significant harm to the Nigerian economy and undermined the efforts of the government to fight corruption and illicit financial activities.
Jude Okoye, through his defense lawyer Inibehe Effiong, pleaded “not guilty” to all the charges. This not guilty plea sets the stage for a lengthy legal battle, as Okoye maintains his innocence and denies any wrongdoing. In response to the charges, the defense team filed for bail, arguing that Okoye should not be held in detention while awaiting trial. They requested that he be kept in EFCC custody pending the determination of his bail application, citing that he poses no flight risk.
However, the prosecution, led by EFCC counsel Larry Peters Aso, opposed the request for bail. They argued that the defendant should be remanded in a correctional facility instead of EFCC custody, citing congestion at the EFCC’s facilities as a key reason for their opposition. The prosecution’s argument reflects the seriousness with which the EFCC is approaching the case, with a desire to ensure that Okoye faces the full extent of the law for the charges against him.
After hearing the arguments from both sides, Justice Owoeye decided to remand Okoye at the Ikoyi correctional facility, pending the determination of his bail application. The judge also adjourned the case to February 28, 2025, for a formal bail hearing, and set a date for the trial to commence on April 14, 2025.
The case involving Jude Okoye and Northside Music Ltd is notable for several reasons. First and foremost, it brings to light the potential extent of financial misconduct within Nigeria’s entertainment industry, a sector often perceived as lucrative and glamorous. Jude Okoye’s association with P-Square, one of Africa’s most successful music groups, has placed him in the public eye, and the revelations in this case have shocked many.
Additionally, the case underscores the growing efforts of Nigerian authorities to combat money laundering and other financial crimes. The EFCC’s involvement highlights the agency’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for financial wrongdoings, regardless of their status or influence. The large sums of money involved—₦1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59—demonstrate the scale of the alleged fraud and the serious nature of the charges.
The EFCC has been at the forefront of the fight against economic crimes in Nigeria, particularly in the areas of corruption, money laundering, and fraud. In this case, the agency’s swift action in bringing charges against a high-profile figure such as Jude Okoye is indicative of its resolve to tackle corruption within both the public and private sectors. The EFCC’s investigation of Okoye and his company is part of a broader effort to clean up the financial system and ensure that all Nigerians, regardless of their position, are held accountable for their actions.
Money laundering is a serious offense in Nigeria, and the government has made significant strides in strengthening the legal framework to combat it. The Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, under which Okoye has been charged, is one of the key pieces of legislation aimed at curbing illicit financial activities. The law is designed to prevent individuals from using the financial system to conceal the proceeds of crime, and the charges against Okoye reflect the government’s commitment to enforcing this law rigorously.
The case has generated considerable media attention, given Jude Okoye’s status as a public figure and his association with the P-Square music duo. Fans and the general public have expressed shock and disappointment over the allegations, with many questioning how someone so deeply entrenched in the entertainment industry could be involved in such serious financial crimes. The case has sparked discussions about corruption within Nigeria’s entertainment industry, and many are closely watching how the trial will unfold.
Some have also raised concerns about the potential impact of the case on Okoye’s reputation and the reputation of his family. As a key figure behind one of Nigeria’s most successful musical acts, his involvement in such a high-profile scandal could have far-reaching consequences for his career and business interests.
As the case against Jude Okoye and Northside Music Ltd progresses through the Nigerian legal system, the road ahead remains uncertain. While Okoye has pleaded not guilty to all charges, the EFCC has made it clear that it intends to vigorously pursue the case in court. If found guilty, Okoye could face significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment, under Nigerian law.
The upcoming bail hearing and trial will likely shed more light on the full scope of the charges against Okoye and the evidence the prosecution has gathered. For now, Okoye remains in custody at the Ikoyi correctional facility, awaiting further legal proceedings. His case is a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in the management of both personal and corporate finances. The outcome of this trial could have significant implications not only for Okoye but also for others in the entertainment and business sectors who may be involved in similar financial misconduct.
