Jude Okoye Faces Legal Battle Over Alleged $1 Million and £34,000 Music Royalties Theft

 

Jude Okoye Faces Legal Battle Over Alleged $1 Million and £34,000 Music Royalties Theft

The Nigerian music industry is no stranger to high-stakes drama, but the latest allegations against Jude Okoye, former manager of the globally recognized music duo P-Square, have sent shockwaves through the entertainment landscape. Accused of diverting over $1 million and £34,000 in digital music royalties, Okoye now finds himself at the center of a heated legal battle with Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).



The EFCC has brought forward multiple charges against Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, alleging the dishonest conversion of digital distribution and publishing royalties meant for Peter Okoye (Mr. P). According to court documents, these funds, spanning the period between 2016 and 2023, were siphoned from major music distribution platforms, including:

  • $767,544.15 from Lex Records Limited (intended for digital music royalties)
  • £34,537.59 from Lex Records Limited (additional withheld royalties)
  • $133,566.49 from Kobalt Music Services Limited
  • $118,652.23 from Mtech Limited

These transactions, which should have reached Peter Okoye, were allegedly redirected for undisclosed personal or business use, triggering the EFCC’s intervention.

Courtroom Drama: Jude Okoye Pleads Not Guilty

On March 4, 2025, Jude Okoye stood before Justice Rahman Oshodi at the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, where he entered a not guilty plea to all charges. The prosecution, led by Mohammed Bashiru, sought immediate remand in Ikoyi Correctional Centre, arguing that the severity of the charges warranted detention.

However, Okoye’s legal team, headed by Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN), attempted to secure continued custody in EFCC detention, citing an ongoing bail grant in a related money laundering case. Despite the defense's arguments, Justice Oshodi ruled in favor of remanding Okoye at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, pending his bail hearing scheduled for March 6, 2025.

This isn’t the first time Okoye has faced the heat in court. On February 26, 2025, he was also arraigned before Justice Alexander Owoeye at the Federal High Court, Lagos, over money laundering allegations involving N1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59.

In this separate case, the EFCC claims that Okoye acquired an N850 million property in Ikoyi, Lagos, using proceeds suspected to have been fraudulently obtained. Following this development, he was granted bail at N100 million, with strict conditions, including two sureties of equal financial standing.

This unfolding scandal has sparked intense discussions about financial transparency in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Many artists and industry experts have voiced concerns over the opaque nature of music distribution earnings, management contracts, and royalty payments.

As digital streaming continues to dominate revenue generation, cases like Okoye’s highlight the need for tighter financial oversight and accountability in music business dealings. If these allegations prove true, it could set a significant legal precedent in protecting artists' financial interests and preventing exploitation in the entertainment industry.

The next court session is scheduled for March 6, 2025, where Jude Okoye’s legal team will make a case for bail approval. If denied, he may remain in Ikoyi Correctional Centre until the full trial proceedings commence on May 16 and 23, 2025.

Possible Legal Outcomes:

  1. Conviction: If found guilty, Okoye could face severe financial penalties, asset forfeiture, and potential prison time.
  2. Acquittal: Should his defense successfully dispute the allegations, he may walk free, although his reputation may suffer irreparable damage.
  3. Out-of-Court Settlement: While unlikely in a criminal case, a financial restitution agreement might mitigate sentencing if guilt is established.

This case is more than just a high-profile legal battle—it is a wake-up call for the Nigerian music industry. As international collaborations and streaming revenues grow, transparency in financial dealings will become more critical than ever. The coming months will determine whether Jude Okoye emerges unscathed or faces serious consequences, but one thing is certain—the music business in Nigeria will never be the same again.

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