In a dramatic courtroom revelation, Nigerian singer Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, has accused his elder brother and former manager, Jude Okoye, of diverting over $1 million and £34,537 in royalties from their defunct music group, P-Square. The case is currently being heard at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presenting Peter as its first prosecution witness.
Peter testified that Jude, along with his company Northside Music Ltd., is facing a four-count charge related to the alleged misappropriation of funds. He claimed that Jude’s wife, Ifeoma, owns 80% of Northside Music Ltd., while Jude holds the remaining 20%. Peter stated that he was unaware of the company’s existence until he conducted a search on the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) portal, which revealed the ownership structure.
According to Peter, the EFCC’s investigation uncovered over 47 bank accounts used by Jude to receive royalties from P-Square’s music. He alleged that these accounts were used without the knowledge or consent of the group’s members, leading to significant financial discrepancies.
Peter recounted that during a meeting at the EFCC office, his twin brother Paul (Rudeboy) informed him that Jude claimed a 40% stake in P-Square, while Peter and Paul each held 30%. Peter expressed surprise at this arrangement, stating that he was never informed of such an ownership structure. He also emphasized that Ifeoma was never involved in the group’s affairs and that he was unaware of Northside Music’s registration in 2015.
He further testified that after P-Square’s breakup in 2017, he pursued a solo career and noticed discrepancies in royalty payments. Peter claimed that when he and Paul reunited in 2021, they discovered that Jude had been operating Northside Music Ltd. without their knowledge, leading to further financial irregularities.
Jude Okoye and Northside Music Ltd. have pleaded not guilty to the charges. In March 2025, the court granted Jude bail in the sum of ₦50 million, with two sureties required to provide evidence of tax payments and employment. The court also ordered Jude to submit his international passports and restricted his travel pending the trial’s outcome.
P-Square, formed in 1999 by twin brothers Peter and Paul Okoye, rose to fame with their unique blend of Afrobeat and R&B music. Managed by their elder brother Jude, the group achieved significant success both locally and internationally. However, internal disputes led to their breakup in 2017. They briefly reunited in 2021 but parted ways again in August 2024.
The ongoing legal battle has shed light on the complexities of managing finances within family-run enterprises, especially in the entertainment industry. As the trial continues, fans and industry stakeholders await the court’s decision on the allegations leveled against Jude Okoye.
The case has been adjourned to May 23, 2025, for the continuation of the trial
