Jude Okoye Faces Money Laundering Allegations Amid Family Tensions

Jude Okoye, former P-Square manager, faces severe money laundering charges and remains in custody pending a bail hearing. His brother Paul has publicly supported him during these legal troubles, which follow tensions arising from a petition filed by their sibling Peter. The court has set dates for bail and trial hearings, while Jude maintains his innocence against the allegations.

Jude Okoye, the elder brother and former manager of the popular Nigerian music duo P-Square, is facing serious allegations of money laundering. The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has ordered him to remain in custody while awaiting the hearing of his bail application regarding charges totaling over ₦1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537. Paul Okoye, one half of P-Square, has publicly expressed his support for Jude by encouraging him to remain strong amid this legal turmoil.

This situation has further complicated the already strained relationship between Jude Okoye and his brothers, Paul and Peter Okoye. In August 2023, Peter Okoye filed a petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Jude and his wife, accusing them of diverting group royalties into a secret account. Jude has vehemently denied these allegations, labeling them as baseless and defamatory.

The EFCC has detailed specific charges against Jude, including acquiring properties with proceeds from criminal activities and converting substantial sums of money through various banks to hide their origins. These serious accusations are rooted in the agency’s investigation that uncovered Jude’s alleged financial misconduct, carried out through his company, Northside Music Ltd.

Jude Okoye has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. Despite this plea, the court has decided to keep him in custody, with a scheduled hearing for his bail application on February 28 and his trial set for April 14. His legal team is actively seeking bail while the prosecution argues for his continued detention due to overcrowding in correctional facilities.

Jude Okoye is recognized as a prominent figure in the Nigerian music industry, having played a crucial role in the success of P-Square. He has a notable career as a video director and artist manager, contributing significantly to the group’s popularity. Following their split in 2017, he established Northside Entertainment to continue his work in the entertainment sector by managing various artists.

Jude Okoye faces severe legal challenges regarding money laundering allegations, pushing the boundaries of his familial relationships within the Okoye family. His public support from brother Paul highlights the deep-rooted tensions that accompany legal battles. The upcoming court dates will be critical in determining the outcome of these serious allegations and the future of his ventures in the music industry.

Original Source: www.bbc.com