Paul Okoye Reacts After EFCC Arraigned Brother, Jude Over Alleged ₦1.3bn Fraud

Paul Okoye, one-half of the now-defunct P-Square music duo, has reacted the arraignment of their elder brother, Jude Okoye, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on fraud-related charges.

Jude, who previously managed Paul and his twin brother Peter Okoye during their time as P-Square, was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday.

Alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd, he faced a seven-count charge before Justice Alexander Owoeye.

According to the EFCC, Jude allegedly acquired a property worth ₦850 million in Ikoyi, Lagos, in 2022, knowing or having reason to believe that the funds were linked to an unlawful act.

Another charge accused him of converting over $1 million through a bureau de change to conceal the origin of the money.

Jude Okoye pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Following this, the prosecution, led by Larry Peters Aso, requested a trial date and asked that he be remanded in custody until the trial begins.

However, his lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, applied for bail and requested that Jude remain in EFCC custody until the application is heard.

The prosecution opposed this, arguing that EFCC facilities were overcrowded and urged the court to send him to a correctional center instead.

Justice Owoeye scheduled the bail hearing for February 28 and set the trial to begin on April 14, ordering that Jude be held at the Ikoyi correctional facility in the meantime.

Shortly after the court proceedings, Paul Okoye took to his Instagram story to share a cryptic post, seemingly suggesting that someone had orchestrated his brother’s legal troubles.

Without naming anyone directly, his message hinted at an ongoing family dispute.

“Exactly what he wants. This too shall pass. Stay strong brother @judeengees,” he wrote, fueling speculation that he was referring to his twin brother, Peter Okoye.

KanyiDaily recalls that Peter Okoye had shared his side of the story regarding the recent controversy involving his brothers Paul and Jude Okoye, and their issues with the EFCC.