Jude Okoye, elder brother of music duo Peter and Paul Okoye of the defunct music group Psquare and former manager of the group, has regained his freedom after spending over two months in Ikoyi Correctional Facility, Lagos.
His release comes following the successful fulfillment of bail conditions tied to an ongoing money laundering case involving over N1.38 billion.
Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are currently facing a seven-count charge at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, presided over by Justice A. Owoeye.
READ ALSO: Alleged N1.3bn fraud: P-Square’s brother, Jude Okoye, remanded in prison
The charges involve alleged laundering of huge sums: N1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59. When arraigned on February 26, 2025, Jude pleaded not guilty and was granted bail set at N100 million.
However, matters escalated on March 3 when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed four additional counts against him. The amended charges allege that Jude diverted royalties owed to his younger brothers for personal gain. Among the specific amounts listed were $767,544.15, £34,537.59, $133,566.49, and $118,652.20.
According to the prosecution, these funds were fraudulently converted, with the aim of depriving Peter Okoye of his rightful earnings from their collaborative work.
Jude was granted a second bail of N50 million for the fresh charges, which initially kept him in detention due to inability to fulfill the new conditions.
Relief came Wednesday evening when Paul Okoye shared a heartfelt update on Instagram, posting video clips of Jude reuniting with loved ones after being released.
“Jude is finally out after 2months + all their efforts to frustrate his bail has finally collapsed. Welcome home brother @judeengees And happy birthday,” Paul wrote in his celebratory post.
The ongoing legal saga has rekindled public interest in the long-standing family feud that tore Psquare apart. The conflict, which started in 2017, centered largely around Jude’s role in the brothers’ business affairs.
That year marked the end of Psquare as a group, with Peter and Paul deciding to pursue solo careers.While the brothers reunited briefly in November 2021, harmony was short-lived.
Tensions resurfaced in August 2024, when Paul alleged that Peter had a hand in Jude’s legal woes by tipping off the EFCC. Peter, in his defense, denied any wrongdoing and instead accused Jude of mismanaging and secretly funneling large sums from their joint earnings into a private company without their consent.
He further claimed he only approached the EFCC after Paul dismissed his concerns and challenged him to “do your worst” during one of their last conversations.
In a separate statement, Jude insisted he had made numerous efforts to bring the feuding brothers back together, even at great personal cost. “I have done everything possible, even sacrificing myself, to mend the rift between my brothers,” he said.
As the court proceedings continue, the Okoye family drama remains under public scrutiny, with fans watching closely to see how the legal and emotional aspects of the dispute unfold.
