LAGOS, Nigeria — The trial of Jude Okoye, former manager of the defunct music group P-Square, was stalled on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, following the absence of his younger brother and prosecution witness, Peter Okoye, who was scheduled to be cross-examined by the defence team .
Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are standing trial before Justice Alexander Owoeye on allegations of fraud involving N1.3 billion and $1 million . The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned the defendants on a seven-count charge bordering on alleged financial crimes, to which they pleaded not guilty .
At the resumed hearing, which was scheduled for the cross-examination of the nominal complainant, Peter Okoye, EFCC’s counsel, G.C. Akaogu, informed the court that the witness was unable to attend proceedings because his flight from Abuja to Lagos had been rescheduled . The prosecutor stated that Peter had contacted him to explain the situation and subsequently applied for an adjournment to enable the witness to attend court on another date .
However, counsel to the defendants, Clement Onwuewunor (SAN), challenged the explanation offered by the prosecution . While confirming that he had been notified of the witness’s absence, the senior advocate questioned the claim that Peter Okoye was stranded outside Lagos due to a flight disruption . “The prosecutor informed me of the development when I was at Falomo, close to the court. I complained bitterly because I ought to be in Akure for another matter,” Onwuewunor said .
He further told the court that information available to him suggested that the witness had not travelled out of Lagos. “In fact, I was just told that the witness did not travel. He is in Lagos, and I do not know why the prosecutor said his flight was rescheduled,” the defence counsel submitted .
Following submissions from both parties, Justice Owoeye adjourned the case to September 21, 2026, for further hearing . The adjournment means that the much-anticipated cross-examination of Peter Okoye, whose testimony is central to the prosecution’s case, will now take place at a later date .
The EFCC alleged that Jude Okoye and Northside Music Limited were involved in fraudulent transactions amounting to N1.3 billion and $1 million, allegations the defendants have consistently denied .
