EFCC Presents First Witness in $1M Fraud Case Against Ex-P-Square Manager
Jude Okoye Faces Charges Over Alleged Theft of Band Royalties
The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented its first prosecution witness on Friday, May 16, 2025, in the high-profile case against Jude Chigozie Okoye, former manager of the famous music duo P-Square.
Okoye, the elder brother of P-Square members Paul and Peter Okoye, is standing trial alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd., on four counts of alleged theft totaling $1 million and £34,537.
Key Testimony Reveals Company Ownership Structure
Peter Okoye (aka Mr P), the prosecution’s first witness, testified before Justice Rahman Oshodi at the Ikeja High Court that his brother’s wife, Ifeoma, owns 80% of Northside Music Ltd., with Jude holding the remaining 20%.
“I submitted the petition on January 22, 2024,” Peter stated. “Investigations revealed Ifeoma as the majority owner. The EFCC discovered over 47 bank accounts used by Jude to receive royalties.”
Royalty Dispute Following P-Square Breakup
The witness detailed how the music group, formed in 1999, established Northside Entertainment Ltd in 2005-2006 with Jude as sole signatory to all accounts. The company managed royalties from streaming platforms I-rocking.com and Free me digital.
Peter revealed: “After our 2017 breakup and 2021 reunion, I discovered discrepancies in royalty payments. Jude had created Northside Music, which operated illegally before our separation.”
The testimony highlighted how these financial irregularities reportedly caused seven companies to reconsider purchasing P-Square’s music catalogs.
Legal Proceedings Continue
The prosecution successfully tendered Peter’s January 2024 petition without objection from defense counsel Clement Onwuenwunor, SAN. The case has been adjourned until May 23 for continuation of trial.
This high-profile case continues to draw attention to financial management in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, with the EFCC actively pursuing allegations of financial misconduct.
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