P-Square: Court Adjourns Jude Okoye Fraud Trial As Peter Misses Cross-Examination Session

According to Ireporter Online, the ongoing trial of Jude Okoye, former manager of the defunct music duo P-Square, suffered a setback on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Lagos after the absence of Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, stalled proceedings.

Peter, who is the nominal complainant in the case, was expected to undergo cross-examination by the defence counsel when the matter resumed. However, his absence prevented the scheduled legal process from taking place.

Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are standing trial before Justice Alexander Owoeye over allegations bordering on ₦1.3 billion and $1 million fraud. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier arraigned the defendants on seven counts relating to the alleged offences, to which they both pleaded not guilty.

During the hearing, prosecution counsel, G. Akaogu, informed the court that Peter was unable to attend due to a rescheduled flight from Abuja to Lagos. He told the court that the witness had personally reached out to explain the situation and that the defence had been duly notified.

However, defence counsel, Clement Onwuewunor, SAN, challenged the explanation, stating that he was only informed while already near the court premises. He further noted that he had another matter scheduled in Akure, Ondo State, which he could have attended if not for the sudden development. He also claimed to have received information suggesting that Peter was already in Lagos at the time.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Owoeye adjourned the case until September 21, 2026, for continuation of hearing, with Peter Okoye’s cross-examination expected to proceed on the next adjourned date, subject to his availability.