It seems the unending war between Peter and Paul of Psquare would be for a long time. What with the remand of Jude okoye in prison. Jude was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday over alleged money laundering involving N1.38 billion, $1 million and £34,537.59.
Jude Okoye, elder brother and former manager of the defunct music duo Psquare, has been returned to prison after a Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, adjourned his bail application hearing to March 3.
Jude was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday over alleged money laundering involving N1.38 billion, $1 million and £34,537.59.
The EFCC charged him and his company, Northside Music Ltd, before Justice Alexander Owoeye on seven counts.
One of the charges alleged that in 2022, Jude acquired a property at No 5, Tony Eromosele Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, worth N850 million, “knowing or having reason to know that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity.” Another count accused him of using a bureau de change to convert over $1 million through his company’s Access Bank account “to conceal its origins.”
Jude pleaded not guilty to all charges.
His counsel, Inibehe Effiong, requested that he be remanded in EFCC custody pending his bail hearing, but EFCC prosecutor Larry Peters Aso objected, citing congestion in their facility and urging the court to remand him in Ikoyi Correctional Centre.
At Friday’s hearing, the EFCC opposed Jude’s bail application, arguing that he posed a flight risk and could interfere with witnesses. However, his lawyer countered that Jude had cooperated with investigators and honored all invitations since the case began.
Paul ‘Rudeboy’ Okoye was present in court and indicated willingness to stand as surety for his elder brother. The judge instructed him to submit his documents through his lawyer and scheduled the bail hearing for March 3, with trial set to commence on April 14.
Jude’s legal troubles come amid renewed tensions between the Okoye brothers. Psquare split in 2017 following a dispute over Jude’s role as their manager. Though they reconciled in 2021, another fallout occurred in August 2024 when Paul accused Peter of orchestrating Jude’s arrest. Peter denied the claim, alleging Jude had secretly siphoned millions from their joint account. He said he had no choice but to involve the EFCC after Paul dismissed his concerns.
Jude has since defended himself, insisting he did “everything possible” to mend relations between his brothers.