Jude Okoye, the older brother and former manager of the now-defunct music group P-Square, has been remanded in prison following his arraignment on fresh fraud charges totaling $1,019,763.87 and £34,537.59.
On Monday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed a four-count charge against Okoye, accusing him of embezzling music revenue from three companies for personal gain, thereby depriving his brother, Peter ‘Mr. P’ Okoye, of his rightful earnings.
During his court appearance before Justice Ramon Oshodi at the Ikeja High Court on Tuesday, Okoye pleaded “not guilty” to the charges. His defense attorney, Clement Onwuenwunor, requested bail, citing a related case currently at the Ikoyi court, where Okoye was previously granted bail.
However, the prosecuting attorney, MK Bashiru, opposed the bail application, noting that he had not yet filed a formal response.
Justice Oshodi ruled that he could not grant the bail request without reviewing the necessary documents. The prosecution was instructed to file its response before the next hearing, scheduled for March 6, while the trial is set for May 16 and 23.
This legal proceeding follows closely after Okoye was granted bail in the amount of N100 million over separate fraud charges involving the laundering of N1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59.