In a dramatic twist in the ongoing fraud trial involving Nigerian music star Peter Okoye of P-Square and his estranged brother and former manager, Jude Okoye, the defence counsel, Clement Onwuenwunor, SAN, on Friday accused Peter of deliberately misleading the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with false and contradictory statements.
The EFCC had arraigned Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Ltd, on a four-count charge bordering on financial misappropriation. One of the charges alleges that Jude and Northside Music Ltd dishonestly converted $767,544.15 for personal use. The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During his testimony on May 16, Peter Okoye claimed he had been defrauded by his brother Jude and Northside Entertainment. However, under intense cross-examination before Justice Rahman Oshodi at the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, the defence sought to discredit Peter’s claims.
Onwuenwunor accused Peter of presenting inconsistencies in his statements, branding them as deliberate fabrications intended to mislead investigators and damage Jude’s reputation. A key point of contention was Peter’s claim to be a graduate of the University of Abuja, a statement contradicted by records indicating he had dropped out. Faced with the discrepancy, Peter backtracked in court, asserting he only said he “attended” the university—but was confronted with EFCC documents in which he explicitly described himself as a graduate.
The defence further presented bank documents revealing that Peter and his twin brother Paul Okoye had signatory access to Northside Entertainment Ltd’s accounts, challenging Peter’s earlier assertion that Jude was the sole signatory. The bank mandate showed Jude as a Category A signatory, while Peter and Paul were listed as Category B signatories. Additionally, bank statements showed Peter personally withdrew large sums from the account and received multiple direct transfers from Jude—directly contradicting his sworn claim that he never benefited financially from the company.
On the issue of royalties from Mad Solutions, the company managing the P-Square music catalogue, Peter had claimed he was unaware of the contract and had only received $25,000 and $20,000. However, the defence presented documents showing that Peter, Paul, and Jude had all signed the agreement and were entitled to equal shares. Contrary to his testimony, financial records revealed that Peter actually received $4,330.47 and $5,837.35 as his initial royalty payments.
“Peter’s testimony before the EFCC is riddled with lies and misrepresentations. These are not innocent errors—this is a calculated attempt to mislead both the EFCC and this honourable court,” Onwuenwunor told the court.
Justice Oshodi admitted several bank and EFCC documents into evidence and advised the defence to share all relevant materials with the prosecution ahead of subsequent proceedings to expedite the trial.
“If you intend to use a document, make it available to them to make the trial faster,” the judge cautioned.
The trial has been adjourned to October 10 and 17, 2025, for continuation.