In a high-profile $1 million fraud trial involving the former manager of the iconic music group P-Square, Jude Okoye, the defense counsel accused Peter Okoye (Mr P) of deliberately misleading the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with false and contradictory statements.
Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, face charges of allegedly stealing and converting over $1 million and £34,000 in royalties from music digital distribution. The trial resumed on Friday at the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja, where Peter’s testimony came under intense scrutiny.
During cross-examination, defense lawyer Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN) highlighted inconsistencies in Peter’s statements, accusing him of fabricating information to mislead investigators and damage Jude Okoye’s reputation. Notably, Peter’s claim of being a University of Abuja graduate was disproved when documents showed he only attended but did not complete his studies.
The defense also presented evidence showing that Peter and his twin brother Paul had signatory access to Northside Entertainment accounts—contradicting Peter’s assertion that Jude was the sole signatory. Bank statements were submitted revealing that Peter personally withdrew large sums from the company’s accounts, a fact he initially denied.
Peter further contradicted himself regarding royalty payments, stating he received only $25,000 and $20,000 while claiming ignorance of contracts with Mad Solutions, the company managing P-Square’s music catalogue. However, documents proved all three—Jude, Peter, and Paul—signed the agreement, and Peter actually received much smaller payments than he testified.
Defense counsel Onwuenwunor concluded, “Peter’s testimony is riddled with lies and misrepresentations. This is an intentional effort to mislead the EFCC and this court.”
Justice Rahman Oshodi admitted several key documents into evidence and urged the defense to share all materials with the prosecution to expedite the trial.
Peter also revealed during his testimony that despite being part owners of the catalogue with his twin brother, they allowed Jude to manage the company because he is their brother, but he claimed he was not entitled to certain proceeds.
The trial has been adjourned to October 10 and 17, 2025, for further proceedings.
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