The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Jude Chigozie Okoye, older brother and former manager of the musical duo Paul and Peter Okoye (Psquare), before Justice Rahman Oshodi at the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday. Okoye, alongside his company Northside Music Ltd, faces four fresh charges of theft totaling $1,019,762.87 and £34,537.59, allegedly committed between 2016 and 2023.
The charges, filed under Sections 278 and 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011, accuse Okoye of diverting funds meant for music royalties.
One count alleges that Okoye and Northside Music Ltd “dishonestly converted” $767,544.15 paid by Lex Records Limited for digital distribution and publishing royalties, depriving Peter Obunmuneme Okoye of his rightful share. Another charge claims the duo misappropriated £34,537.59 from the same source during the same period.
Additional accusations involve Okoye diverting $133,566.49 from Kobalt Music Services Limited and $118,652.23 from Mtech Limited, both royalty payments intended for Peter Okoye. Okoye pleaded “not guilty” to all charges.
Court Proceedings and Bail Dispute
Prosecution counsel, M.K. Bashir, requested a trial date and sought Okoye’s remand in a correctional facility. However, defense counsel Clement Onwenwnor, SAN, informed the court of a pending bail application and requested a brief adjournment for its hearing.
Onwenwnor also asked that Okoye remain in EFCC custody pending the bail decision, citing a similar case before Justice A.O. Owoeye at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, where Okoye was granted bail on March 3, 2025, on a separate seven-count charge.
Bashir opposed the request, arguing that since Okoye had entered his plea, he should be remanded in a correctional center. Justice Oshodi sided with the prosecution, ordering Okoye’s remand at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.
The court adjourned the bail hearing to March 6, 2025, and set trial dates for May 16 and 23, 2025.
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