Jude Okoye fraud charge mount as EFCC arraigns him on new allegations of stealing over $1 million and £34,000, adding to existing federal court cases

[dropcap]J[/dropcap]ude Okoye, the former manager of the defunct music group P-Square, faced fresh charges of alleged theft on Tuesday.

Also read: Court to rule on Jude Okoye’s bail application over alleged N1.38bn fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned him before the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja, accusing him of stealing $1,019,763.87 and £34,537.59.

This comes shortly after he was granted bail in a similar case involving seven counts at the Federal High Court.

In the new charges, marked Ref/99260/2025 and presided over by Justice Rahman Oshodi, Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are facing four counts brought by the EFCC.

EFCC’s prosecution counsel, Mohammed Bashiru, stated that Jude Okoye and Northside Music Limited dishonestly converted $767,544.15, which was paid by Lex Records Limited as payment for music digital distribution/publishing royalties.

The EFCC alleges that this was done with the intent to permanently deprive Peter Okoye of his special interest in the property. These alleged offenses occurred between 2016 and 2023.

Further charges accuse Jude Okoye of dishonestly converting £34,537.59, also from Lex Records Limited, with the same intent to deprive Peter Okoye.

The EFCC also alleges the conversion of $133,566.49 from Kobalt Music and $118,652.23 from Mtech Limited, all payments related to music digital distribution/publishing royalties.

According to the EFCC, these actions violate sections 278 and 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011.

Jude Okoye pleaded not guilty to all charges. Following the arraignment, his defense counsel, Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN), informed the court that a bail application dated February 27, 2025, had been filed.

Also read: ‘Massive!’ Paul Okoye, Rudeboy, builds multi-million naira shopping complex in Lekki

This new case adds to the legal challenges faced by Jude Okoye, who was recently granted N100 million bail with two sureties by the Federal High Court.