Alleged N1.3bn Fraud Case Against Jude Okoye Adjourned as Mr P Misses Court Appearance

Proceedings in the alleged N1.3 billion and $1 million fraud trial involving Jude Okoye, former manager of the now-defunct P-Square music group, were stalled on Thursday after the court’s key witness, Peter Okoye (Mr P), failed to appear for cross-examination.

Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos on a seven-count charge bordering on alleged fraud.

The defendants have denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.

When the matter came up for hearing, prosecution counsel G. Akaogu informed the court that Peter Okoye was unable to attend because his scheduled flight from Abuja to Lagos had been rescheduled.

“The witness called and told me that his flight from Abuja was rescheduled, that was why he could not make it to court. I equally informed the learned Silk of this development this morning,” Akaogu told the court.

The prosecutor subsequently requested an adjournment to enable the witness appear on a later date.

However, defence counsel Clement Onwuewunor, SAN, questioned the explanation for Peter Okoye’s absence. Although he acknowledged being informed of the development earlier in the day, he maintained that information available to him suggested the witness was already in Lagos.

“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 (Ondo State) for a matter.

“Infact, 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,” Onwuewunor submitted.

Following the submissions from both parties, Justice Owoeye adjourned the case until September 21, 2026, for continuation of hearing.

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