The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday, May 16, 2025, presented its first prosecution witness, Peter Obumuneme Okoye (a.k.a Mr P), in the trial against Jude Chigozie Okoye, former manager and elder brother of the music duo P-Square.
Jude Okoye is facing trial alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd, on a four-count charge of alleged theft totaling $1 million and £34,537, before Justice Rahman Oshodi at the State High Court in Ikeja, Lagos.
Led in evidence by EFCC counsel Mohammed Bashir, Mr. P testified that Jude’s wife, Ifeoma, owns 80% of Northside Music Ltd, while Jude owns 20%. He alleged that Jude operated over 47 undisclosed bank accounts to collect music royalties without his or his twin brother Paul’s knowledge. He also claimed Jude never denied the allegations during EFCC interrogation.
Mr. P further stated that Northside Music Ltd was registered in 2015 and operated even before P-Square’s 2017 split, without his knowledge or involvement. The witness described serious discrepancies in royalty payments and unauthorized control of digital music income by Jude, which impacted their catalog sales opportunities.
The court admitted a petition dated January 22, 2024, filed by Mr. P through his lawyer. The case was adjourned to May 23, 2025, for the continuation of trial.