EFCC Arraigns Jude Okoye, Former P-Square Manager, on Money Laundering Charges
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought charges against Jude Okoye, the former manager and elder brother of the musical duo Paul and Peter Okoye, popularly known as P-Square. The charges allege money laundering involving a staggering amount of ₦1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59.
Okoye and his company, Northside Music Ltd, were arraigned before Justice Alexander Owoeye at the Federal High Court in Lagos on a seven-count charge.
One of the counts detailed the acquisition of a property in Ikoyi worth ₦850 million, which was allegedly acquired using proceeds from unlawful activities. Another count highlighted the conversion of over $1 million through a bureau de change, with the intention of concealing the origin of the funds.
During the court proceedings, Okoye pleaded “not guilty” to all charges. The prosecution counsel, Larry Peters Aso, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant to a correctional facility until the trial.
Okoye’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, presented a bail application and requested his client to remain in EFCC custody until the application was reviewed. However, Aso opposed this, citing overcrowding in EFCC facilities and insisting that Okoye should be remanded in a correctional facility since he had entered a plea.
Justice Alexander Owoeye scheduled the bail hearing for February 28 and set April 14 for the trial. He ordered that Okoye be remanded at the Ikoyi correctional facility until the bail application was considered.
