Kemisola Oye
A Lagos Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja earlier today (Thursday) admitted the former manager of P-Square, Jude Okoye, charged with stealing One Million U.S. dollars and 34, 537 pounds to N50 million bail.
Jude, who is also the elder brother of Peter Okoye (alias Mr P) and Paul Okoye (alias Rudeboy), is standing trial alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd on a four-count charge bordering on theft, proffered against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Justice Rahman Oshodi, while delivering ruling on the bail application moved by Jude’s lead counsel, Mr Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN), admitted the defendant to N50 million bail with two sureties in like sum.
Justice Oshodi held that the sureties must be gainfully employed and show evidence of three years’ tax payment to the Lagos State government.
He also ruled that the defendant should submit his dual citizenship passport to the chief registrar of the court.
Justice Oshodi also ordered EFCC to inform the immigration office of the withholding of the defendant’s international passports pending the determination of the case.
The judge further held: “I have considered the affidavit evidence submitted by the parties as well as the oral application at today’s proceeding.
“The singular issue for determination is whether or not the court should exercise its discretion in favour of the first defendant by granting him bail.
“Section 115 ((2) of the ACJL confers discretion on this court to grant bail in cases not punishable by death.
“I am, therefore, satisfied that the issue for determination regarding bail should be resolved in the defendant’s favour.”
Earlier, the defence counsel, while moving the bail application dated 27 February 2025, had prayed the court to admit the defendant to bail on liberal terms.
Onwuenwunor had argued that the defendant had been on administrative bail since the inception of the case with EFCC and had not jumped bail.
According to him, the defendant owns 40 per cent of the family property while the nominal complainant owns just 30 per cent.
He prayed that for the purpose of family unity, the defendant should be released on bail in most liberal terms.
EFCC counsel, Mr Mohammed Bashir, in his 13-paragraph counter affidavit dated 6 March 2025 argued that the defendant has a dual citizenship identity that could make him a flight risk.
Bashir, however, informed the court that the defendant was diligent in reporting himself while on administrative bail.
“To be honest, the defendant was diligent at reporting at the commission but this is a different case.
“He is standing multiple count charges before your lordship and he has dual citizenship which makes him a flight risk.
“However, we leave everything at the discretion of the court,” he said.
The judge adjourned the case till 16 May 2025 for the commencement of trial.
Eighteen-Eleven Media