The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Jude Okoye, the former manager of the defunct music group P-Square, over allegations of theft amounting to $1,019,763.87 and £34,537.59. The case was brought before the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja on Tuesday.
Jude Okoye, who is also facing a separate seven-count charge before the Federal High Court, was granted bail on Monday in the sum of N100 million, with two sureties of the same amount.
In the new charges, filed under case number Ref/99260/2025, Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are facing four counts brought against them by the EFCC. The prosecution, led by EFCC counsel Mohammed Bashiru, informed the court that the defendant allegedly converted $767,544.15 to his personal use. The funds were reportedly paid by Lex Records Limited as royalties from music digital distribution and publishing, which should have been shared with Peter Okoye.
The prosecutor further stated that between 2016 and 2023, Okoye allegedly took £34,537.59 from the same source, also intended as royalties, without remitting Peter Okoye’s rightful share. Additionally, EFCC accused him of converting $133,566.49 from Kobalt Music and another $118,652.23 from Mtech Limited, all allegedly meant for music royalties.
The charges brought against Okoye fall under sections 278 and 285 of the Lagos State criminal laws of 2011.
When the case was called, Jude Okoye pleaded not guilty to all charges. His defense lawyer, Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN), informed the court that a bail application had already been submitted, dated February 27, 2025.
