The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has told a Lagos court it possesses no evidence to substantiate allegations made by Nigerian music star Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, against his brothers, Jude Okoye and Paul Okoye (Rudeboy), concerning the fraudulent withdrawal of $800,000 from their former group’s company account.
Anti-Graft Agency Contradicts Singer
The development emerged during the resumed cross-examination proceedings at the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja, presided over by Justice Rahman Oshodi, on Friday, November 28. The anti-graft agency’s position significantly undermines the accusations Mr P leveled against his siblings, who were formerly part of the iconic P-Square duo.
EFCC counsel, Mohammed Bashir, explicitly stated the commission’s inability to present evidence supporting the central $800,000 withdrawal claim, which Peter Okoye had made in court.
“We do not have it. It is his evidence. Let him prove it. I can’t give what I don’t have,” Bashir told the court.
The Okoye Family Dispute
The legal dispute dates back to 2024 when Peter Okoye dragged his brothers before the EFCC. His initial claims alleged that Jude Okoye, the group’s former manager, had diverted P-Square’s funds, operated 47 undeclared bank accounts, and manipulated the shareholding structure of their jointly owned company, Northside Entertainment Ltd.
Under cross-examination on May 23, 2025, Peter Okoye claimed that he had “new evidence” showing Jude and Paul had withdrawn and shared over $800,000 between March 2023 and October 2024. However, he subsequently revised the alleged timeline for the fraudulent activity to the years 2013–2014 while being cross-examined by defense counsel Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN).
Unsubstantiated Account Claims
In addition to the financial withdrawal, Peter Okoye also alleged that Jude Okoye controlled 47 bank accounts and held an 80% stake in Northside Entertainment.
The EFCC counsel, however, denied possessing any records supporting the existence of the numerous accounts. “I do not have 47 bank accounts. It is one of the witness’s claims, but I do not have such a copy,” the EFCC’s representative stated.
Furthermore, the defense team, led by Onwuenwunor, successfully tendered Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) records in court which directly contradicted Peter Okoye’s claim of his brother holding an 80% stake in the company, further eroding the foundation of his accusations.
The trial is ongoing, with the court expected to further assess the weight of the remaining claims in light of the EFCC’s statement.
