By Ayomide Otitoju
The Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has ordered the remand of Jude Okoye, the elder brother and former manager of music duo P-Square, over allegations of theft involving $1 million and £34,537.59. Justice Rahman Oshodi ruled that Okoye be held at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his bail application on March 6.
Okoye, alongside his company Northside Music Ltd, is facing four charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). One of the charges accuses him of embezzling $767,544.15, which was paid by Lex Records Ltd for digital music distribution and royalties, depriving his brother Peter Okoye of his rightful share.
EFCC prosecutor Mohammed Bashiru told the court that the alleged offenses took place between 2016 and 2023. The prosecution requested that Okoye remain in custody pending trial.
In his defense, counsel Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN) informed the court of a pending bail application filed in January, urging the judge to release Okoye. However, the prosecution indicated its intention to oppose the bail request, prompting the case’s adjournment.
Okoye is also facing money laundering charges involving ₦1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59 at the Federal High Court in Lagos. He was granted bail on March 3 in the sum of ₦100 million, with two sureties in like sum. The trial is set to resume on April 14.
