At the ongoing $1 million fraud trial involving music executive Jude Okoye, defence counsel Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN) has accused singer Peter Okoye (Mr P) of giving false and contradictory statements to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Jude Okoye, former manager of the defunct music duo P-Square, and his company Northside Music Limited, face four charges at the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja over the alleged unlawful conversion of $1,019,763.87 and £34,537.59 in music royalties.
On Friday, Peter Okoye completed his testimony and was cross-examined by the defence. His credibility was called into question, beginning with a disputed claim that he graduated from the University of Abuja refuted by EFCC records, which showed he dropped out. Peter later clarified in court that he only attended the university and did not graduate.
The defence also disputed Peter’s assertion that Jude was the sole signatory on company bank accounts. Documents presented revealed that both Peter and his twin brother Paul were Category B signatories on Northside Entertainment Limited accounts.
While Peter acknowledged the joint status, he claimed Jude solely managed the accounts and sent him and Paul $10,000 upon request. “He acts like I don’t have responsibilities,” Peter remarked.
However, bank records showed Peter himself had made sizable withdrawals something he denied, saying he hadn’t physically been to a bank in years. “Jude gives the cheque to the assistant manager, who deposits it,” he explained.
The defence further produced documents showing direct payments from Jude to Peter, contradicting Peter’s testimony that he received no financial benefit from the company. Peter claimed he assumed the funds were personal gifts from Jude, based on how the transactions were labeled.
He also alleged Jude controlled over 47 accounts and said he didn’t question the source of funds at the time because the group “had millions.”
Regarding royalties from Mad Solutions, the firm managing P-Square’s catalogue, Peter said he was unfamiliar with the deal and had received just two payments $25,000 and $20,000.
However, documents signed by all three brothers confirmed equal entitlements, and bank records showed Peter only received $4,330.47 and $5,837.35.
“Peter’s testimony is not just inconsistent it is deliberately misleading,” Onwuenwunor argued in court. “These fabrications aim to deceive the EFCC and damage the defendant’s reputation.”
Justice Rahman Oshodi admitted several documents into evidence and directed the defence to share all materials with the prosecution to ensure a smoother trial.
Peter had earlier claimed he had no right to earnings from Jude’s company and accused his brother of exploiting the P-Square brand to sign other artists like Cynthia Morgan.
He maintained that the music catalogue belonged solely to him and Paul, and that Jude was involved only as a family-appointed manager.
He said he discovered nearly $800,000 in questionable withdrawals by Jude and Paul while planning a trip to Turkey, prompting him to file a complaint with the EFCC.
The trial continues on October 10 and 17, 2025.
