Peter Okoye Testifies Against Brother Jude in ₦1.38 Billion Fraud Case

Nigerian artist, Peter Okoye, one half of the defunct musical duo P-Square, testified against his older brother and former manager, Jude Okoye, on Monday in a highly publicized ₦1.38 billion money laundering trial.

In front of Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos, Mr. Okoye, also known as Mr. P, accused his older brother of secretly incorporating a company, Northside Music Limited, to receive and manage P-Square’s royalties without the knowledge or consent of the members.

He accused Jude of having no access to the group’s bank accounts during the group’s hiatus between 2017 and 2021, which were under the control of Jude alone. Peter went on to accuse Jude and his wife of using the company to divert significant profits from the group’s digital royalties, where he was left out of access to the accounts and financial decisions.

Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, face a seven-count charge of ₦1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59 money laundering. One of the charges is that Jude acquired property valued at ₦850 million in Ikoyi, Lagos, using funds alleged to be proceeds of crime.

Jude has denied the charges. The court admitted him to bail in the amount of ₦100 million on the conditions that he produces two sureties, one of whom would be an owner of landed property, and that he should not leave Nigeria.

The issue has fueled the long-standing rift between the Okoye brothers. Paul Okoye, Peter’s twin brother and the second member of P-Square, publicly reprimanded Peter for his role in Jude’s legal troubles, suggesting that Peter was responsible for their brother’s experience.

The court adjourned the case until June 4, 2025, for cross-examination.