The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has informed a Lagos court that it possesses no evidence to substantiate singer Peter Okoye's claim that his brothers, Jude and Paul Okoye, illegally withdrew over $800,000 from their joint company accounts.
Background of the Family Feud and Legal Battle
This development is the latest chapter in the long-running dispute between the members of the defunct iconic music group, P-Square. The conflict entered the legal arena in 2024 when Peter Okoye, also known as Mr P, formally petitioned the anti-graft agency against his brothers.
In his petition, Peter made several serious allegations. He accused Jude Okoye of diverting funds belonging to the P-Square brand. He also claimed Jude operated 47 undeclared bank accounts and manipulated the shareholding structure of their jointly owned company, Northside Entertainment Ltd. These allegations led the EFCC to file charges against Jude concerning the alleged financial mismanagement of the P-Square brand.
The Court Proceedings and Specific Charges
Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, were arraigned before the court on March 4, 2025. They faced four counts related to the alleged stealing and conversion of $1 million and £34,000 in royalties from digital music distribution and publishing. The EFCC's charge alleged that Jude and his company converted $767,544.15 from payments made by Lex Records Limited, intending to permanently deprive Peter of his share. Jude was granted bail in the sum of N50 million on March 6, 2025.
During the trial, Peter Okoye presented new claims. On May 23, 2025, he testified that evidence showed Jude and Paul withdrew and shared over $800,000 between March 2023 and October 2024. However, under cross-examination by defence counsel Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN), he revised this timeline, stating the withdrawals occurred between 2013 and 2014. He reiterated his claim about the 47 bank accounts and stated Jude held an 80% stake in Northside Entertainment.
EFCC's Stunning Admission in Court
The case took a significant turn during the resumed cross-examination at the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja on Friday, November 28. The EFCC counsel, Mohammed Bashir, directly addressed the court regarding Peter's $800,000 allegation.
Bashir told the presiding judge, Justice Rahman Oshodi, "We do not have it. It is his evidence. Let him prove it. I can't give what I don't have." This statement indicated the commission could not tender any evidence to support the specific claim of the $800,000 withdrawal.
The EFCC lawyer further denied having records of the alleged 47 bank accounts, stating, "I do not have 47 bank accounts. It is one of the witness's claims, but I do not have such a copy." In a blow to Peter's testimony, the defence also tendered official Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) records that contradicted his claim that Jude held an 80% stake in their company.
During the proceedings, Peter admitted he only became aware of the existence of 'Northside Music' in 2024. This discovery came when artiste Cynthia Morgan sent him a contract on the company's letterhead, despite her albums being credited to 'Northside Inc.'
Adjournment and Next Steps
Following these revelations, Justice Oshodi adjourned the case to December 12, 2025, for the continuation of the trial. The admission by the prosecuting agency raises questions about the strength of the evidence against Jude Okoye on the specific $800,000 claim, though other charges related to royalty conversion remain active.
The legal battle continues to expose deep financial and personal rifts within the once-united Okoye family, keeping the public and fans of P-Square awaiting the final judgment.
