By Israel Michael
In the ongoing fraud trial involving Jude Okoye, former manager of the defunct music duo P-Square, defence counsel Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN) on Friday accused Peter Okoye (popularly known as Mr P) of providing false and contradictory statements to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are facing four counts of stealing and unlawful conversion of royalties totalling $1,019,763.87 and £34,537.59, allegedly derived from music distribution and publishing deals. The trial is being heard at the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja.
During Friday’s hearing, Onwuenwunor, representing the defence, challenged Peter Okoye’s credibility while cross-examining him. He argued that Okoye had made inconsistent claims to the EFCC, including a disputed statement that he graduated from the University of Abuja. When confronted, Peter admitted in court that he did not complete his studies, despite previously identifying as a graduate in EFCC records.
The defence also submitted documents indicating that Peter and his twin brother, Paul, had signatory privileges on Northside Entertainment Limited accounts—contrary to Peter’s claim that Jude was the sole signatory. According to a bank mandate presented in court, Jude was listed as a Category A signatory, while Peter and Paul were Category B.
“My lord, an account he is the only one that operates, I have never held a cheque. Any time I demand money from Jude, he will send me $10,000, send it to Paul and pay himself, as if I don’t have family to take care of. I have school fees to pay,” Peter told the court.
However, Onwuenwunor countered by submitting bank statements that allegedly showed Peter had personally withdrawn large sums from the account. Peter denied this, saying he had not physically visited the bank and that funds were usually handled by an assistant manager.
“I did not lie. I don’t go to the bank. It is recently I started going. He gives the cheque to the assistant manager to cash, and the manager pays it into my account,” he explained.
The defence also introduced evidence of direct transfers made to Peter from Jude, contradicting Peter’s earlier testimony that he never financially benefited from the company’s earnings. Peter responded that he was unaware the payments were related to royalties from Lex Records, stating, “Jude just pays into my account, and it’s his name that appears in the narration.”
Another point of contention was the handling of royalty payments from Mad Solutions, a company responsible for managing P-Square’s music catalogue. Peter had previously claimed ignorance of the contract and said he only received $25,000 and $20,000. However, documents presented by the defence showed that all three parties—Jude, Peter, and Paul—signed the agreement and had equal entitlements.
According to the documents, Peter received $4,330.47 and $5,837.35 as initial payments—figures significantly lower than what he testified to under oath.
“Peter’s testimony before the EFCC is riddled with lies and misrepresentations,” said Onwuenwunor. “This is not just a matter of forgetfulness. This is an intentional effort to mislead investigators and this honourable court.”
Justice Rahman Oshodi admitted several bank records and EFCC documents into evidence and advised the defence to ensure all materials are shared with the prosecution in advance to streamline the proceedings.
“If you intend to use a document, make it available to them to make the trial faster,” he stated.
Earlier in his testimony, Peter maintained that he was not entitled to proceeds from Northside Music, asserting that Jude used the group’s letterhead to sign artists such as Cynthia Morgan. “The catalogue belongs to Peter and Paul. The manager only gets paid for managing, not from ownership,” he said.
Peter also claimed he reported the matter to the EFCC after discovering that nearly $800,000 had been withdrawn from the company account by Jude and Paul. He said this occurred shortly before a planned trip to Turkey.
Justice Oshodi adjourned the matter to October 10 and 17, 2025, for continuation of trial.
