The continued hearing in the trial of Jude Okoye, the manager of the defunct music group P-Square, before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, was stalled on Wednesday due to the absence of Peter Okoye, who was billed to be cross-examined by the defence team.
Jude and his musical firm, Northside Music Limited, are standing trial before Justice Alexander Owoeye on alleged N1.3 billion and $1 million fraud.
Both Jude and his company were arraigned before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on a seven-count charge. Jude has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.
At the resumed hearing of the matter, which was scheduled for cross-examination of the nominal complainant, Peter Okoye, the prosecutor, G. Akaogu, informed the court that the witness called and told him that he was unable to be in court as his flight from Abuja to Lagos was rescheduled.
“The witness called and told me that his flight from Abuja was rescheduled, that was why he could not make it to court. I equally informed the learned Silk of this development this morning,” the prosecutor said. He thereafter prayed the court for another date.
However, counsel to the defendant, Clement Onwuewunor, while confirming that he was informed of the development, denied the claim that the witness’s flight was rescheduled. Onwuewunor told the court that an impeccable source informed him that Peter was in Lagos as of Wednesday evening.
“The prosecutor informed me of the development when I was at Falomo, close to the court. I complained bitterly, because I ought to be in Akure for a matter. In fact, I was just told that the witness did not travel, he is in Lagos and I do not know why the prosecutor said his flight was rescheduled,” Onwuewunor submitted.
Justice Owoeye adjourned the matter to September 21, 2026, for further hearing.
