The Special Offences Court in Ikeja has granted bail to Jude Okoye, the elder brother and former manager of the iconic defunct music duo P-Square, in the sum of N50 million.
Okoye, who faces charges of stealing $1 million and £34,537, is also required to provide two sureties, each in a similar sum.
In a ruling by Justice Rahman Oshodi, Okoye was admitted to bail under strict conditions, including the requirement that his sureties must be gainfully employed and provide evidence of three years’ tax payments to the Lagos State Government.
Furthermore, Okoye was instructed to surrender his dual citizenship passports to the Chief Registrar of the court. The court also directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to notify the immigration authorities to withhold Okoye’s international passports pending the resolution of the case.
During the proceedings, Justice Oshodi stated that the court’s discretion to grant bail in non-capital offenses was applicable, and he was satisfied that Okoye’s case warranted such a decision. “I have considered the affidavit evidence presented by the parties, and after careful consideration, I am inclined to grant bail,” the judge declared.
Okoye, alongside his company Northside Music Ltd, is standing trial on a four-count charge of theft, with the EFCC accusing him of stealing substantial amounts of money. Okoye, however, has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In seeking bail, Okoye’s lawyer, Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN), argued that his client had been on administrative bail with the EFCC since the case’s inception and had adhered to all conditions.
Onwuenwunor also highlighted that Okoye owns 40% of the family-owned Northside Music Ltd, while the nominal complainant holds 30%, further asserting that granting bail would help maintain family unity.
The EFCC, represented by counsel Mohammed Bashir, raised concerns about Okoye’s dual citizenship, which they argue could make him a flight risk. While acknowledging Okoye’s diligence in adhering to the terms of his administrative bail, Bashir emphasized the gravity of the charges and urged caution.
Justice Oshodi has scheduled the commencement of the trial for May 16, 2025. This case marks a significant moment for the music industry, as Okoye’s legal battles unfold in the public eye.
