A Lagos Special Offences Court has granted bail to Jude Okoye, former manager of the defunct music group P-Square, in an ongoing trial over an alleged theft involving $1,019,763.87 and £34,537.59.
Presiding over the case, Justice Rahman Oshodi set Okoye’s bail at N50 million, requiring two sureties in the same amount.
The court further stipulated that the sureties must reside within jurisdiction and present proof of three years’ tax payments.
Additionally, Okoye was ordered to surrender both his Nigerian and St. Kitts and Nevis passports, while the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was instructed to notify immigration authorities to prevent him from leaving the country.
During the hearing, Okoye’s lawyer, Clement Onwuenwnor (SAN), argued that the case was a civil dispute between business partners and requested that his client be granted bail, proposing that he be released to his younger brother.
However, EFCC prosecutor, Mohammed Bashir, opposed the bail application, raising concerns about Okoye’s dual citizenship, which he argued made him a flight risk.
He also emphasized the severity of the charges, stating that Okoye could abscond if granted bail.
Despite the prosecution’s objections, Justice Oshodi ruled in favor of the defendant, stating that the court had carefully considered all affidavits submitted before arriving at its decision.
The case has been adjourned to May 16 and 23, 2025, for further hearings.
