Jude Okoye
The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has granted bail to Jude Okoye, the former manager of the now-defunct music group P-Square, in the sum of N100 million. Okoye, alongside his company Northside Music Limited, is facing trial on seven charges related to money laundering.
The charges were brought against Jude Okoye by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) through its Lagos Zonal Directorate. Jude pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were read to him during his arraignment on February 26, 2025.
During Monday’s court session, Jude Okoye’s defence lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, requested bail on medical grounds. Effiong urged the court to grant the application, citing his client’s health condition.
However, the prosecution, represented by Fanen Anum, opposed the bail request, arguing that Jude Okoye posed a flight risk and could interfere with prosecution witnesses. Anum further called for an expedited hearing of the case.
After considering the arguments from both sides, Justice Alexander Owoeye ruled that the charges against Okoye were bailable and granted him N100 million bail. The bail conditions include providing two sureties in like sum, with one of the sureties required to own a landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.
Additionally, the court ordered that Okoye inform the EFCC before travelling outside the jurisdiction.
The case has been adjourned to April 14, 2025, for further proceedings.