Jude Okoye Freed After Two Months Over N1.38bn Fraud Allegation
The elder brother and former manager of music duo P-Square, Jude Okoye, has been released after spending over two months in detention following his arrest for alleged involvement in a N1.38bn fraud.
Despite being granted bail earlier, Jude’s release was delayed due to complications in meeting bail conditions.
His younger brother, Paul Okoye (Rudeboy), confirmed his release in an Instagram post on Wednesday, sharing a video of Jude’s return home.
“Jude is finally out after two months + …all their efforts to frustrate his bail have finally collapsed. Welcome home, brother @judeengees. And happy birthday,” he wrote.
Jude’s release comes amid an ongoing family feud involving criminal charges filed against him by his younger brother, Peter Okoye (Mr P).
Peter had testified in court on April 14, accusing Jude of diverting funds through a company, Northside Music Limited, which he allegedly set up without his brothers’ knowledge.
According to the prosecution, Jude used the company to siphon off royalties and control the group’s revenues during the group’s 2017–2021 split period. Peter said he had no access to P-Square’s multiple bank accounts, which were controlled solely by Jude.
He also alleged that Jude and his wife withheld key financial records and diverted royalties meant for the group.
“When I asked why financing had stopped, I was told, ‘As you leave P-Square, you leave the money,’” Peter told the court.
The EFCC filed a seven-count charge against Jude and Northside Music Limited, accusing them of laundering N1.38bn, over $1m, and £34,537.59. It alleged that the funds were used to buy a property worth N850m in Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, and were routed through a Bureau De Change.
Jude pleaded not guilty and was initially remanded in Ikoyi Correctional Centre. He was granted bail on March 6, set at N50m with two sureties, and was ordered to surrender both his Nigerian and St. Kitts & Nevis passports.
In a separate but concurrent case before the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Jude is also being tried for allegedly converting over $1m and £34,537.59 in digital royalties for personal use between 2016 and 2023.
His legal counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Clement Onwuenwunor, described the EFCC charges as exaggerated and rooted in family conflict.
“This is more of a misunderstanding between directors than a criminal case,” Onwuenwunor told the court, adding that Jude has been fully cooperative with investigators.
Meanwhile, Mr P is expected to be cross-examined when the case resumes on June 4.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
