February 26, 2025, started like any other day—until news broke that Jude Okoye, former manager and elder brother of P-Square, had been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charge? A mind-blowing ₦2.95 billion ($1.96 million) money laundering case tied to his record label, Northside Music Limited. Clips of Jude, flanked by EFCC operatives, went viral, and just like that, the Okoye brothers were trending for all the wrong reasons again. But how did we get here? Let’s rewind.
The drama didn’t start today. Back in July 2024, whispers surfaced that the EFCC had invited Jude and his younger brother Paul Okoye (Rudeboy) for questioning. Paul quickly took to Instagram to deny any shady dealings: “Eagles’ eyes, all cleared. I no thief ohh. Na just good music de pay.” But things escalated when Paul shockingly accused his twin brother Peter Okoye (Mr. P) of being behind the EFCC’s probe. Speaking on City FM, he said: “I never thought it would get to this extent. If I was into fraud, my own brother would have finished me?”
Days later, Peter clapped back with an open letter, revealing that he did report Jude and his wife to the EFCC—but not Paul. His claims? That Jude secretly created Northside Music Ltd, a company eerily similar to their joint business, Northside Entertainment. Peter wrote: “I discovered another company with a similar name… The founders? Jude and his wife. The registered address? Her family home.” According to Peter, when he confronted Paul about it, Paul denied knowing anything. But the EFCC thought otherwise.
Jude didn’t take the allegations lying down. He hopped on Instagram Live to set the record straight: “Northside Music is not a secret company! We had an agreement that P-Square proceeds go three ways.” But by now, the cracks in the brothers’ relationship were deepening. Paul even pleaded publicly: “Even if we don’t do P-Square, can’t we be brothers?”
Fast forward to February 26, 2025—EFCC wasn’t done yet. They officially arraigned Jude before the Federal High Court, Lagos, slapping him with seven charges of money laundering. According to EFCC, Jude used ₦850 million to buy a luxury property in Parkview Estate, Ikoyi and moved over $1 million through a bureau de change to conceal its origins. Despite these damning claims, Jude pleaded not guilty.
Jude’s lawyers fought for bail, but Justice Alexander Owoeye wasn’t playing games. He adjourned the hearing to March 3, 2025, while Jude remained behind bars.
On March 3, Jude was granted bail—BUT only if he could provide two sureties with ₦100 million worth of Lagos property EACH. Until then? He stays in custody. Oh, and he can’t leave the country without approval. The trial? April 14, 2025. Buckle up, because this saga is far from over.
With a high-profile trial looming, more shocking details could surface. Will Jude clear his name, or will this be the final chapter in the Okoye family drama? Stay tuned. For the latest updates, visit Inside Success Nigeria and follow @InsideSuccessNigeria for breaking news and exclusive insights.
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