Jude Okoye’s ₦1.3bn fraud trial stalls as prosecution witness Peter Okoye absent

Jude Okoye's court hearing was delayed due to Peter Okoye's absence, raising questions about his whereabouts as the N1.3bn fraud case adjourns to September 2026.

The trial of Jude Okoye, former manager of the defunct music group P-Square, was on Wednesday stalled at the Federal High Court in Lagos due to the absence of prosecution witness and nominal complainant, Peter Okoye.Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are facing a seven-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged fraudulent transactions amounting to ₦1.3 billion and $1 million. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty.At the resumed hearing, EFCC counsel G. C. Akaogu informed Justice Alexander Owoeye that Peter Okoye could not attend because his flight from Abuja to Lagos was rescheduled. However, defence counsel Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN) disputed the explanation, claiming information available to him suggested Peter had not travelled and was in Lagos.The court did not rule on the conflicting accounts of the witness’s whereabouts. Justice Owoeye adjourned the matter until September 21, 2026, for continuation of trial.The case stems from EFCC’s allegations that Jude Okoye and his company engaged in fraudulent dealings, but the defendants maintain their innocence.

Jude Okoye’s alleged N1.3bn fraud trial was stalled after Peter Okoye, the prosecution’s witness, was absent from court. The EFCC is prosecuting Jude Okoye Read More: https://punchng.com/absence-of-peter-stalls-elder-brothers-alleged-n1-3bn-fraud-trial/