No evidence Peter Okoye’s brothers stole $800,000 – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has told a Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja that it has no evidence to support claims made by singer Peter Okoye that his brothers, Jude and Paul Okoye, fraudulently withdrew $800,000 belonging to the former P-Square group.

Peter had, in 2024, petitioned the EFCC alleging that Jude diverted group funds, operated 47 undisclosed bank accounts, and manipulated the shareholding structure of Northside Entertainment Ltd, a company jointly owned by the brothers.

His petition prompted the EFCC to file charges against Jude for alleged financial mismanagement of the P-Square brand.

But during Friday’s proceedings, EFCC counsel Mohammed Bashir told Justice Rahman Oshodi that the anti-graft agency could not present any evidence to prove the alleged $800,000 withdrawal.

He said:

“We do not have it. It is his evidence. Let him prove it. I can’t give what I don’t have.”

Jude and Northside Music Limited were arraigned on March 4, 2025, on four counts bordering on the alleged conversion and stealing of $1 million and £34,000 in music royalties.

EFCC alleged that Jude diverted $767,544.15 paid by Lex Records Limited for digital music distribution, allegedly depriving Peter of his entitlement. Jude was granted N50 million bail on March 6, 2025.

During the trial on May 23, 2025, Peter testified that fresh evidence indicated Jude and Paul withdrew and shared over $800,000 between March 2023 and October 2024. However, under cross-examination, he revised the timeline to 2013–2014.

Peter also claimed Jude operated 47 bank accounts and held 80% ownership of Northside Entertainment. EFCC denied having any record of such accounts.

Bashir stated:

“I do not have 47 bank accounts. It is one of the witness’s claims, but I do not have such a copy.”

The defence later tendered Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) documents contradicting Peter’s claim about Jude’s alleged 80% stake.

Peter further admitted he only discovered the existence of Northside Music Ltd. in 2024, after singer Cynthia Morgan sent him her contract bearing the company’s letterhead — despite her albums being credited to Northside Inc.

Justice Oshodi adjourned the case to December 12, 2025, for continuation of trial.