P-Square Family Feud: EFCC Throws a Curveball in $800k Fraud Case

The ongoing legal battle between the Okoye brothers, Peter, Paul, and Jude – of the famed P-Square, and Northside Entertainment – took an interesting turn. News just surfaced that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seems to be distancing itself from Peter Okoye’s core allegation: that his brothers, Jude and Paul, illicitly withdrew over $800,000 from the family’s music business. This development adds another layer of complexity to an already tangled web of accusations and counter-accusations.

Peter Okoye, in his testimony, pointed fingers at his brothers for allegedly diverting royalties and mismanaging funds. Specifically, he claimed that more than $800,000 vanished from the company’s coffers between March 2023 and October 2024—later revised during cross-examination to 2013-2014. He alleged these funds were then divided among Jude and Paul. Now, the EFCC, the very body Peter petitioned, says they lack the evidence to substantiate this particular claim.
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During the trial, the EFCC’s counsel, M.K. Bashir, stated plainly that they possessed no records supporting Peter’s claims. Asked to provide proof of the alleged withdrawal, Bashir’s response was simple: “We do not have it. It is his evidence. Let him prove it. I can’t give what I don’t have.” This declaration throws the onus squarely back on Peter to demonstrate the veracity of his accusations.

It’s worth noting the defense team’s persistent efforts to obtain documentation supporting Peter’s other claims, like Jude’s purported operation of 47 bank accounts. Again, the EFCC denied having such evidence. It seems much of Peter’s case is currently based on his own testimony and discoveries.

The court, acknowledging the situation, declined to compel Peter to produce the disputed account documentation immediately, emphasizing that these documents weren’t formally presented as evidence. This suggests that the legal proceedings are meticulously adhering to due process, even amidst a high-profile family dispute.
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Peter’s narrative also included the revelation that he only became aware of another company, Northside Music Ltd, in 2024 through a contract from Cynthia Morgan. He highlighted inconsistencies in album credits, alleging they were attributed to Northside Inc, while the contract referred to Northside Music. This detail adds intrigue to the financial structure and potential operational discrepancies within the Okoye’s business empire.

Recall that the case originated from Peter’s petition to the EFCC in January 2024, accusing Jude of diverting royalties, operating undeclared accounts, and using company funds to purchase an N850 million property in Ikoyi. Consequently, Jude and Northside Music Ltd faced charges related to the alleged mismanagement of over $1 million and £34,537.59, along with suspected money laundering.

Earlier in the proceedings, Jude’s legal team presented documents from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) indicating that Jude owned 80% of Northside Music, with his wife holding the remaining 20%. This challenged Peter’s claim of exclusion from the company. Furthermore, bank mandates were presented that named Peter and Paul as Category B signatories, contradicting his assertion that he lacked access to the company accounts.

Given these facts, it’s clear that the Okoye brothers’ dispute is not a simple case of black and white. Multiple layers of accusations, conflicting evidence, and shifting timelines cloud the truth. The EFCC’s seeming reluctance to endorse Peter’s central claim adds another dimension, prompting one to question the strength of his evidence.

It’s important to remember that family businesses often grapple with unique challenges. Combining personal relationships with financial interests can breed conflict, especially when significant sums of money are at stake. Add to that the pressures of the entertainment industry, where image and success often overshadow internal realities, and you have a recipe for potential disaster.

Still, the burden of proof rests on Peter Okoye. He must now substantiate his claims with concrete evidence if he hopes to convince the court of his brothers’ alleged wrongdoings. Without it, his case risks crumbling, leaving the future of P-Square and Northside Entertainment uncertain.

Yet, even if Peter prevails, the emotional toll on the Okoye family is already significant. Can these brothers, once a symbol of musical unity, ever fully repair their fractured relationship? That remains to be seen.

This challenge is not just a legal battle; it’s a very public airing of dirty laundry. How it concludes will significantly impact their reputations, their financial well-being, and perhaps most importantly, their family bonds.

The trial continues. One can only hope that a resolution, fair and just, eventually emerges from this complex and emotionally charged dispute. The next hearing is scheduled for December 12th.

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Keywords: P-Square family feud, EFCC fraud case, Peter Okoye, Jude Okoye, Paul Okoye, Northside Entertainment, 800k fraud, Okoye brothers dispute