By Akinwale Kasali
The joy of freedom based on the bail granted Jude Okoye, elder brother and former Manager of the defunct P-Square Musical Group, has been wiped out as he was ordered remanded in prison custody, following his arraignment on fresh fraud charges amounting to $1,019,763.87 and £34,537.59.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had filed a four-count charge against Okoye, accusing him of dishonesty, and converting music proceeds from three companies to personal use.
The alleged conversion of the music proceeds of the three companies led to the deprivation of his brother, Peter ‘Mr. P’ Okoye, of his rightful earnings.
Appearing before Justice Ramon Oshodi at the Ikeja High Court on Tuesday, Okoye pleaded “not guilty” to the charges leveled against him. h3is defense counsel, Clement Onwuenwunor, argued for bail, citing an ongoing related case at the Ikoyi court, where Okoye had already been granted bail.
However, prosecuting counsel, MK Bashiru opposed the application, stating he had yet to file a response.
Justice Oshodi, however, ruled that he could not “hastily grant the bail application” without reviewing the necessary filings.
The prosecution was directed to submit a response before the next hearing on March 6, while the trial is set for May 16 and 23.
The remand of the former Manager of the defunct P-Square Music Group is coming barely 24 hours after he was granted N100 million bail on separate alleged fraud charges, involving the laundering of N1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59.
Discover more from The Source
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
