The legal battle between Jude Okoye and Peter Okoye (Mr P) of the former music group P-Square is still ongoing. On Friday, the case took a new turn when Jude Okoye’s lawyer, Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN), said Peter gave the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) false and confusing information.
Jude Okoye, who used to manage the P-Square duo, and his company Northside Music Limited, are on trial at the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja. They are being accused of taking over $1 million and £34,000 in music royalties that should have gone to Peter and Paul Okoye. These funds came from digital music sales and publishing rights.
The EFCC charged Jude with four counts linked to the issue. They say he wrongly kept the royalties and used them for himself.
On Friday, Peter Okoye came back to court to finish his testimony. Jude’s lawyer also questioned him. During this cross-examination, the lawyer said Peter was not truthful with the EFCC. He claimed Peter gave the agency wrong details about how the royalties were shared and about Jude’s role in managing them.
“You gave false and contradictory claims to the EFCC to mislead them,” the lawyer said. This claim is now a big part of the case.
The case is getting attention because of the history between Peter and Jude. P-Square was one of Nigeria’s biggest music groups before they broke up. Jude Okoye played a major role in managing their success.
As the court continues to look into the case, more information about how the royalties were handled may come out. For now, both sides are holding on to their stories, and the case remains open.
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