Jude Okoye, the elder brother and former manager of the now-defunct Nigerian music duo P-Square, has been released from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after spending over two months in detention.
Jude’s release was confirmed on Wednesday, April 24, by his younger brother, Paul Okoye—also known as Rudeboy—who shared the news on social media, expressing relief that the lengthy bail delay had finally come to an end.
Paul Okoye Celebrates Brother’s Release
Paul Okoye took to his Instagram Stories to post emotional reunion videos, which showed family and friends welcoming Jude back home.
“Jude is finally out after 2 months +. All their efforts to frustrate his bail has finally collapsed,” Paul wrote in celebration.
“Welcome home brother #judeengees. And happy birthday. Welcome back blood.”
The release came as a major relief to the Okoye family, who had been vocal in their support for Jude throughout the legal ordeal.
EFCC Charges: What We Know So Far
According to reports from DAILY POST, Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, were arraigned by the EFCC on a seven-count charge related to alleged money laundering and diversion of music royalties.
The anti-graft agency alleged that Jude had unlawfully siphoned royalty earnings meant for P-Square by creating a separate corporate entity without the knowledge of his twin brothers—Paul and Peter Okoye.
Jude, who served as the group’s longtime manager before P-Square disbanded in 2017, was accused of secretly incorporating a new company under his wife’s name. The prosecution claims he used this newly formed company to collect and divert revenue from music streaming platforms and international licensing deals that rightfully belonged to the musical group as a collective.
The case has since gained significant media attention, not just because of the involvement of high-profile entertainment figures, but also due to the deeply personal family tensions that have surfaced.
Peter Okoye Testifies Against Jude
The legal drama intensified last week when Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, testified against his elder brother in court.
During a hearing at the Federal High Court in Lagos, Peter told the court how Jude allegedly took advantage of his managerial position to divert earnings and conceal financial information from both him and his twin brother, Paul.
“He registered a new company in his wife’s name without informing us, and began to receive royalty payments that were due to the P-Square brand,” Peter stated under oath.
The artist further noted that they only discovered the alleged misconduct when discrepancies emerged in royalty payments from streaming platforms and music licensing partners abroad.
The court has adjourned the case to June 4, 2025, for cross-examination.
Family Rift Resurfaces
The ongoing trial has reopened old wounds between the Okoye brothers, whose personal and professional relationships have been strained for several years.
P-Square—once Nigeria’s most iconic Afrobeats duo—split in 2017 following a widely publicized family feud involving artistic differences, financial disagreements, and managerial issues, with Jude at the center of much of the discord.
While the brothers reconciled briefly in 2021, the renewed legal conflict has rekindled tensions. In a prior Instagram Live session, Paul openly accused Peter of instigating Jude’s arrest and legal battles.
“All of this is just a continuation of old issues. You think I don’t know what’s happening?” Paul said. “This isn’t justice—it’s revenge.”
Public Reactions and Industry Concerns
The entertainment industry has been closely following the developments, with many insiders expressing concern over how deeply personal disputes are now being played out in courtrooms.
One Lagos-based music executive, who chose to remain anonymous, said:
“This case is unfortunate because it shows how blurred the lines between business and family can become in the entertainment industry. When proper documentation and legal structures aren’t in place, things tend to explode when money starts flowing in.”
Fans have also weighed in on social media, with many expressing mixed feelings. While some see Peter’s testimony as a necessary step toward accountability, others believe the Okoye brothers should settle their differences privately.
“It’s painful to see such a legendary family torn apart like this,” wrote one fan on Twitter. “They gave us timeless music, and now all we see is courtroom drama.”
Jude’s Legal Team Maintains Innocence
Jude Okoye has maintained his innocence throughout the trial, insisting that all business decisions were made with transparency and in the best interest of the brand at the time.
His legal team is reportedly preparing to challenge Peter’s testimony during the next court session. A representative for Jude hinted that the defense will present records showing that the royalty structures were agreed upon during the time the group was still intact, and that no malfeasance occurred.
What’s Next?
As Jude Okoye settles back into family life following his release, all eyes now turn to the upcoming court date in June. The next proceedings could prove pivotal in determining not just the legal outcome, but also the future relationship between the once-unbreakable trio.
Whether reconciliation is possible after the trial remains to be seen, but for now, the story of P-Square continues to unfold—not on a concert stage, but in a courtroom.
