Psquare Feud: Jude Okoye Released After Two Months in Prison Amid N1.38bn Fraud Trial

Jude Okoye, former manager of Psquare and elder brother to music duo Peter and Paul Okoye, has been released from Ikoyi prison after meeting his bail conditions in an ongoing N1.38 billion money laundering case.

Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are facing a seven-count charge before Justice A. Owoeye at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos. The charges include allegations of laundering N1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on February 26, 2025, and was granted bail set at N100 million.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) later filed an additional four-count charge on March 3, accusing Jude of diverting music royalties belonging to his brothers, including $767,544.15, £34,537.59, $133,566.49, and $118,652.20. The prosecution claims the funds were fraudulently converted for personal use, allegedly depriving Peter Okoye of his rightful earnings. For the new charges, a second bail of N50 million was set, which Jude had initially been unable to meet.

On Wednesday evening, Paul Okoye announced Jude’s release via Instagram, sharing videos of his brother reuniting with family after two months behind bars. “Jude is finally out after 2 months + all their efforts to frustrate his bail has finally collapsed. Welcome home brother @judeengees And happy birthday,” he wrote.

The legal battle comes against a backdrop of longstanding family tensions. The fallout between Peter and Paul, which began in 2017, led to the breakup of Psquare and was reportedly sparked by disagreements over Jude’s role as manager. Though the brothers briefly reunited in 2021, tensions resurfaced in 2024 when Paul accused Peter of being behind Jude’s arrest. Peter denied the claim, countering that Jude had diverted millions from their joint account and claiming he had no choice but to involve the EFCC after a heated exchange with Paul.

Jude, in his defense, has maintained that he made multiple sacrifices in attempts to reconcile the feuding brothers, expressing dismay at how events have unfolded. The trial continues.