Singer Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, has been accused of lying to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and misleading the court. The accusation was made by Clement Onwuenwunor, legal counsel for Jude Okoye, during proceedings at the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja.
Jude Okoye, who formerly managed the defunct music duo P-Square, is on trial with Northside Music Limited over alleged theft and conversion of music royalties. The EFCC is prosecuting them over four counts involving over €896,000 in digital and publishing revenue.
On Friday, Peter Okoye completed his testimony and faced cross-examination from Jude’s lawyer. Onwuenwunor alleged that Peter made contradictory statements to both the EFCC and the court.
A major issue was Peter’s claim that he graduated from the University of Abuja. Under questioning, he admitted he never completed his degree, despite previously stating otherwise in EFCC documents.
Peter also alleged that Jude alone operated Northside’s accounts. However, Onwuenwunor presented a bank mandate showing Peter and Paul Okoye were also listed as signatories.
Peter told the court he never personally handled cheques. But bank statements showed large withdrawals made by him. He claimed the cheques were cashed by staff and paid into his account.
The lawyer said Jude made direct payments to Peter, contradicting Peter’s testimony that he received nothing from group revenue. Peter responded that he never asked about the source of the funds.
Peter also claimed Jude had over 47 bank accounts, a figure he said was disclosed by EFCC officers. He testified that he only received two royalty payments from Mad Solutions. But court documents showed he signed the royalty agreement and received more than he claimed.
Onwuenwunor said Peter’s statements were filled with falsehoods and deliberate misrepresentations. “This is an intentional effort to mislead investigators and the court,” he said.
Justice Rahman Oshodi admitted EFCC documents and bank statements as evidence. He instructed the defence to provide materials in advance for trial efficiency.
Peter earlier accused Jude of signing other artistes using P-Square’s letterhead and claimed the music catalogue belongs to him and his twin, Paul. “Jude was only a manager, not an owner,” he said.
Peter said he reported the case to EFCC after discovering over €700,000 was withdrawn without his knowledge.
The judge adjourned the case to October 10 and 17 for the continuation of trial. Peter Okoye and Jude Okoye remain central to the dispute, which continues to draw public and legal attention.
