Jude Okoye, ex-P-Square manager, remanded in prison over $1M and £34K fraud charges. Accused of diverting music earnings, he pleads not guilty. Bail denied; trial set for May. Latest in a series of legal disputes with brother Peter Okoye.
Jude Okoye, the elder brother and former manager of the disbanded music duo P-Square, has been remanded in prison after facing new fraud charges. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused him of misappropriating $1,019,763.87 and £34,537.59, allegedly diverting music earnings meant for his brother, Peter ‘Mr. P’ Okoye, for personal use. The charges, filed on Monday, include four counts of fraudulent conversion of funds from three companies.
Appearing before Justice Ramon Oshodi at the Ikeja High Court on Tuesday, Okoye pleaded not guilty. His lawyer, Clement Onwuenwunor, requested bail, referencing a similar ongoing case at the Ikoyi court where Okoye had previously been granted bail. However, the prosecution, led by MK Bashiru, opposed the bail application, stating they had not yet filed a response.
Justice Oshodi declined to grant bail immediately, citing the need to review the necessary documents. The prosecution was instructed to submit their response before the next hearing on March 6. The trial is scheduled for May 16 and 23.
This development follows Okoye’s recent release on a N100 million bail in a separate fraud case involving alleged money laundering of N1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59. The fresh charges add to Okoye’s legal troubles, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute between the former music manager and his brother.
