Peter Okoye’s Absence Delays Jude Okoye’s N1.3 bn Fraud Trial

Wale Igbintade

Yesterday, the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, paused the trial of Jude Okoye, former manager of the defunct music group P‑Square, because his younger brother and key prosecution witness, Peter Okoye, did not attend for cross‑examination.

Peter, widely known as Mr. P, was absent, prompting a disagreement between the prosecution and the defence over why he could not attend. Defence counsel claimed that the witness was already in Lagos and had not travelled as the prosecution said.

Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are on trial before Justice Alexander Owoeye on allegations of fraud involving N1.3 billion and US$1 million.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged the defendant and his company with seven counts related to alleged financial crimes.

The defendant has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

During yesterday’s resumed hearing, the court had scheduled the cross‑examination of Peter Okoye, the nominal complainant who had previously testified for the prosecution.

Prosecuting counsel G.C. Akaogu told the court that Peter could not attend because his flight from Abuja to Lagos had been rescheduled.

The prosecutor said Peter had called to explain the situation.

“The witness called and told me that his flight from Abuja had been rescheduled, which prevented him from attending court. I informed the learned Silk of this development this morning,” the prosecutor said.