Peter Okoye Makes Major Court Admission in Brother's $1 Million Fraud Trial
In a dramatic courtroom development, music star Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, has made significant admissions before the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja during the ongoing $1 million fraud trial of his elder brother, Jude Okoye. The case, which has captured public attention, took unexpected turns as Peter provided testimony that contradicted earlier statements.
Bank Account Admission Contradicts Earlier Testimony
During cross-examination by defence counsel Clement Onwuewunor (SAN), Peter Okoye admitted that he and his twin brother Paul are co-signatories to the Northside Entertainment Limited bank account at Ecobank. This admission directly contradicted his earlier testimony where he maintained that Jude solely controlled the company's accounts and financial dealings.
"My Lord, I am a co-signatory to the Northside Entertainment Limited account in Ecobank," Peter told the court presided over by Justice Rahman Oshodi.
Peter explained the evolution of the account structure, noting that while Jude was initially the sole signatory when the company was established, both he and Paul were later added as signatories. However, he clarified that despite this formal position, he never personally signed cheques or conducted transactions through the account.
Addressing Contradictions in Testimony
When questioned about the discrepancy between his earlier statement and this new admission, Peter attributed the confusion to information he received during a phone conversation with officials from what he described as a "new bank." This explanation attempted to reconcile the conflicting statements presented during the trial proceedings.
Music Catalogue Ownership Dispute
Beyond the financial matters, the ownership of the P-Square music catalogue became a point of contention during the proceedings. Peter firmly asserted that the nearly 100-song catalogue belongs exclusively to him and his twin brother Paul, rejecting suggestions that Jude played a more substantive role in the group's success.
"The success of PSquare was built by me and my twin brother from the beginning," Peter testified, emphasizing the twins' foundational role in creating the musical legacy.
He further disclosed that Jude was not an original member of the group but later became their manager around 2004 or 2005, with no written contract formalizing that arrangement. This clarification sought to establish the boundaries of creative ownership versus managerial involvement.
Royalty Contract Signature Scrutiny
The proceedings also included examination of a royalty contract bearing a signature that Peter acknowledged "looks like mine," though he requested additional time for closer inspection. This element added another layer of complexity to the financial and contractual aspects being examined in court.
Trial Background and Family Dynamics
Jude Okoye is currently standing trial over an alleged $1 million theft in a case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The case has exposed family tensions, with Paul Okoye reportedly supporting Jude during the legal proceedings, while fans of the singing duo have expressed mixed reactions to the controversy involving the three brothers.
Justice Oshodi has adjourned the matter until May 15, 2026, for continuation of the trial, ensuring this high-profile case will remain in the public eye for the foreseeable future. The admissions made by Peter Okoye have significantly altered the trajectory of the proceedings and raised important questions about financial management and creative ownership within celebrity families.
