P-Square Feud: Peter Okoye's Absence Halts Jude Okoye's N1.3bn Fraud Trial

The fraud trial of Jude Okoye, former manager for the defunct Nigerian music group P-Square, was stalled in a Lagos Federal High Court yesterday. The delay occurred because his younger brother and a crucial prosecution witness, Peter Okoye, failed to appear for his scheduled cross-examination.

Peter Okoye, widely known as Mr. P, was expected to testify, but his absence led to a dispute between the prosecution and the defense. The prosecution, represented by G.C Akaogu, informed Justice Alexander Owoeye that the witness could not attend because his flight from Abuja to Lagos had been rescheduled. The prosecutor stated that Peter had contacted him to explain the situation and applied for an adjournment.

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The witness called and told me that his flight from Abuja was rescheduled, and that was why he could not make it to court. I equally informed the learned Silk of this development this morning.

However, Chief Clement Onwuewunor (SAN), counsel for the defendants, contested the prosecution's explanation. He asserted that information available to him indicated Peter Okoye had not traveled from Abuja as claimed and was, in fact, in Lagos. Onwuewunor expressed his frustration, noting he had to be in Akure for another legal matter and questioned the prosecutor's account.

Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are facing trial on charges involving N1.3 billion and $1 million. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned them on seven counts of alleged financial crimes, to which the defendants have pleaded not guilty. The adjournment means the anticipated cross-examination of Peter Okoye, whose testimony is central to the prosecution's case, will now take place on September 21, 2026.

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The prosecutor informed me of the development when I was at Falomo, close to the court. I complained bitterly because I ought to be in Akure for a matter. Infact, I was just told that the witness did not travel; he is in Lagos, and I do not know why the prosecutor said his flight was rescheduled.