P-Square with Jude (middle)
Jude Okoye Chigozie, the former manager and elder brother of Paul and Peter Okoye of the defunct music group P-Square, has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of money laundering involving a staggering sum of N1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59.
Okoye, alongside his company, Northside Ltd., was presented before the court on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, to face a seven-count charge. He pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against him.
Following the arraignment, the prosecution counsel, Larry Peters Aso, requested a trial date and asked the court to remand Okoye to a correctional facility until proceedings officially begin. However, Okoye’s legal team opposed this motion, advocating for the defendant to remain in EFCC custody pending his bail hearing.
In response, the prosecution objected to the request, citing concerns over overcrowding in the EFCC detention facility and arguing that Okoye should be held in a correctional centre instead. After hearing arguments from both parties, Justice Owoeye ruled in favour of the prosecution, ordering that Okoye be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Facility.
The court has set a bail hearing for February 28, 2025, with the trial scheduled to begin on April 14, 2025.