Jude Okoye, the former manager of P-Square and elder brother to Peter and Paul Okoye, has been released from Ikoyi prison after fulfilling his bail conditions in a N1.38 billion money laundering trial. Okoye was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, on charges of money laundering and illegal conversion of musical royalties.
The EFCC alleged that Okoye diverted funds amounting to N1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59, which were proceeds from P-Square’s music. Specifically, he was accused of fraudulently converting $767,544.15, £34,537.59, $133,566.49, and $118,652.20 for personal use, depriving Peter Okoye of his rightful earnings. Okoye pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail in the sum of N100 million for the initial charges and N50 million for the additional four-count charge.
Okoye’s release from prison was confirmed by Paul Okoye, who shared emotional videos of Jude’s homecoming on Instagram. Paul wrote, “Jude is finally out after 2 months + all their efforts to frustrate his bail has finally collapsed. Welcome home brother @judeengees And happy birthday.” The brothers’ strained business relationship has been under public scrutiny, with fans watching to see how the family drama unfolds.
The controversy between the Okoye brothers began in 2017, leading to the split of P-Square and their pursuit of solo careers. Although they reunited in November 2021, tensions resurfaced in August 2024, with Paul accusing Peter of orchestrating Jude’s arrest. Peter denied the allegations, accusing Jude of mismanaging and funneling large sums from earnings into a private company without consent.
