Jude Chigozie Okoye, known professionally as Engees, is facing a seven-count money laundering charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) involving ₦1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The legal storm has fractured the legacy of P-Square, the iconic Afrobeats duo he managed for over a decade.
The Rise: Building P-Square's Empire
Jude Okoye, born 25 April 1977 in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, is the elder brother of twin musicians Peter Okoye (Mr. P) and Paul Okoye (Rudeboy), who together formed P-Square. He began his career as a rapper but abandoned it to support his brothers when they launched the duo. He had been a film production enthusiast since 1994 and released a rap album before relocating to Lagos.
Jude directed P-Square's debut single 'Senorita' music video, which received the most airplay from their first album. His role grew from creative director to full-time manager and label boss. By 2005, the brothers had registered Northside Entertainment Ltd, with all three—Peter, Paul, and Jude—listed as directors and shareholders.
Peter later testified: "P-Square started in 1997/98. Before Jude became our manager, we had others, including Chioma Ugochi and the late Howie-T. But when Jude came on board, things changed. He was the sole signatory to all our accounts — Ecobank, Zenith, and FCMB."
The Cynthia Morgan Controversy
Jude's label signed dancehall artist Cynthia Morgan on 22 August 2013 under a recording contract with Northside Entertainment Inc. In May 2020, Cynthia Morgan revealed in an Instagram Live session that she lost her stage name, VEVO account, royalties, and Instagram account due to the contract. Jude responded by releasing the contract publicly, which showed a 50/50 sharing formula and did not prohibit her from using her name elsewhere.
The dispute resurfaced amid the P-Square feud in 2024. Cynthia Morgan, speaking via Instagram, claimed she is a living witness to some of the things Jude is being accused of by Peter.
The Fall: P-Square's Split and Legal Battles
The P-Square saga began in 2017 with the group's acrimonious split. Though the brothers reunited musically in 2021, financial disputes persisted. Peter publicly alleged that Jude's sole control of accounts led to frequent disputes and left him unable to access funds.
Peter also alleged he uncovered a separate company, Northside Music Limited, incorporated by Jude and his wife without his knowledge. In an open letter, Peter stated: "Peter, Paul and Jude own a management company together called Northside Entertainment, which we use to manage all P-Square's affairs. One day, I discovered another company with a similar name, but this one was called Northside Music instead of Northside Entertainment."
The EFCC Arrest and Trial
The EFCC arraigned Jude Okoye before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos on 26 February 2025, alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd. One charge alleged that Jude and Northside Music Ltd directly acquired a landed property at No 5, Tony Eromosele Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, worth ₦850,000,000 in 2022. Okoye pleaded not guilty to all charges. The EFCC presented Peter Okoye as its first prosecution witness on 16 May 2025.
Latest News: The Battle Escalates in 2026
In 2026, Peter Okoye confirmed that Jude initiated another legal battle aimed at stopping him from performing songs released under the P-Square brand. Peter contested Jude's ownership claims directly: "In Jude's claim, you said you brought P-Square to Lagos in 2005, so automatically that makes you the owner of P-Square. P-Square's first album came out in 2003. We've been singing for four to five years before that and even signed our first management contract. You said you brought us to Lagos. Jude, we brought you to Lagos. I sold my car and paid for our first house. I still have the receipts."
On 21 September 2026, the trial continued before the Federal High Court. Peter Okoye told the court he received more than $800,000 in royalties connected to P-Square's songs from French music rights organisation SACEM between 2016 and 2026 and did not share any portion with Jude Okoye. Jude Okoye has yet to publicly respond to Peter's claims regarding the alleged court move.
Jude Okoye, who married Ifeoma Michelle Umeokeke in July 2014 and has two children, Emma and Eleanor Chris Okoye, has an estimated net worth of around $7 million, though this figure predates the current legal proceedings. His known sources of income include music management royalties, Northside Music Ltd, video direction work, and property. The ongoing trial and the 2026 lawsuit will determine the final outcome of the dispute.
