The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Jude Okoye Chigozie, elder brother and former manager of P-Square’s Paul and Peter Okoye, on charges of money laundering. He was brought before Justice A.O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd.
According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, Okoye faces a seven-count charge involving N1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59 in alleged illicit transactions. One charge alleges that in 2022, Okoye acquired a property in Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, worth N850 million, knowing or suspecting it was linked to unlawful activity. Another charge accuses him of using a bureau de change to convert over $1 million through Northside Music Ltd’s Access Bank account to conceal its illegal origin.
Okoye pleaded “not guilty” to all charges. The prosecution, led by L.P. Aso, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand him in a correctional facility. However, defense counsel Inibehe Effiong applied for bail and sought to have Okoye held in EFCC custody pending the hearing. The prosecution objected, citing overcrowding at the EFCC facility.
Justice Owoeye scheduled the bail hearing for February 28, 2025, and the trial for April 14, 2025. He ordered that Okoye be remanded at Ikoyi Correctional Centre until the bail decision is made.