The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign Jude Okoye, the elder brother and former manager of Paul and Peter Okoye of the defunct music group P-Square, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. He faces fresh charges of theft involving $1 million and £34,537.59 before the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja.
The charges, filed by EFCC Prosecutor Aso Larry Peters on January 27, include four counts related to the alleged dishonest conversion of funds meant for music digital distribution and publishing royalties.
Justice Rahman Oshodi will hear the case, which had initially been scheduled for Monday, March 3, but was postponed due to the defendant’s absence. The Ikoyi Correctional Centre, where Okoye had been remanded, cited a lack of information about his arraignment.
The EFCC alleges that Okoye unlawfully converted $767,544.15, paid by Lex Records Limited for music royalties, with the intent to permanently deprive Peter Okoye of his share. He is also accused of converting £34,537.59 and $133,566.49 from the same source, as well as $118,652.23 paid by Mtech Limited for similar royalties, over the period between 2016 and 2023. The offences allegedly violate sections 278 and 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.
In a related development, the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, granted Okoye bail on Monday, March 3, 2025. The court set the bail at N100 million, requiring two sureties in like sum. One surety must own a landed property, and the other must be a business owner with a verifiable address.
Both sureties are also required to show an affidavit of means, with property titles and Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) deposited before the court. Okoye is also restricted from leaving the country while the case is ongoing, and he remains at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre until bail conditions are met. The trial is set to begin on April 14, 2025.
Paul Okoye, known by his stage name “Rude Boy,” was present in court to support his brother during the proceedings.
In a separate case, Jude Okoye was arraigned on February 26, 2025, by the EFCC for alleged money laundering involving N1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59. He and his company, Northside Music Limited, face charges related to the unlawful acquisition of a property in Lagos and the conversion of over $1 million through a Bureau De Change in 2022. Okoye has pleaded not guilty to all charges in both cases.
