Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos has granted bail to Jude Okoye, the former manager and elder brother of the music duo Psquare, in the sum of N100 million with two sureties in like sum. The ruling comes amid an ongoing fraud case where Okoye faces allegations involving N1.38 billion.
During Monday’s proceedings, Justice Owoeye attached strict conditions to the bail, stipulating that one of the sureties must own landed property. The court also placed a travel ban on Okoye, prohibiting him from leaving the country while the case proceeds.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Okoye at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi last week on charges related to the substantial fraud allegations. The case has attracted significant attention not only due to the financial implications but also because it has reignited the long-standing feud between the Psquare brothers, Peter and Paul Okoye.
Paul Okoye, speaking to journalists during earlier court proceedings, publicly accused his twin brother Peter of orchestrating their elder brother’s legal troubles. Peter put our brother in prison,” Paul claimed, vowing to secure Jude’s release. This statement has further deepened the rift between the formerly inseparable music duo.
The current legal battle appears connected to the brothers’ financial disagreements that resurfaced in 2023. According to reports, Psquare’s reconciliation collapsed again last year over allegations that Jude Okoye had diverted joint funds belonging to the music group.
Paul recounted in a previous interview how Peter had reported both him and Jude to the EFCC in December 2023. Paul claimed that after thorough investigations, the commission cleared him of any wrongdoing. However, the same apparently cannot be said for Jude, who now faces formal charges.
Peter has denied Paul’s accusations regarding the arrests. Instead, he has expressed frustration that Paul aligned with Jude rather than working with him to reclaim Psquare’s dominant position in the music industry. Peter alleged that the pair collaborated to marginalize and humiliate him within the group dynamic.
Jude Okoye has previously defended himself against involvement in the twins’ disputes. In an Instagram Live session, he questioned why he was being drawn into conflicts between his brothers when, according to him, he had not been involved with Psquare’s affairs for eight years. He specifically mentioned that Peter doesn’t respect him and criticized Peter for consistently implicating him in the ongoing disagreements.
The Psquare saga represents one of Nigerian music’s most famous family feuds. The identical twin brothers rose to continental fame in the early 2000s, becoming one of Africa’s most successful music acts with hits like “Busy Body,” “Do Me,” and “Chop My Money.” Their split in 2017 shocked fans across the continent, with both brothers subsequently pursuing solo careers under the names Mr. P (Peter) and Rudeboy (Paul).
A brief reconciliation in 2021 gave fans hope that the brothers had resolved their differences, but the current legal situation involving their elder brother indicates that deep-seated issues remain unresolved.
The N1.38 billion fraud case against Jude Okoye adds another complex layer to the family’s troubled relationship. As their former manager who guided much of their early career success, Jude played a pivotal role in building the Psquare brand. However, management disputes have frequently been cited as a contributing factor to the group’s dissolution.
Financial disagreements between music artists and their management are not uncommon in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, where structured contracts and clear financial agreements are sometimes overlooked in favor of family-based business arrangements. When these relationships sour, the consequences can be particularly damaging, as evidenced by the Okoye brothers’ situation.
Industry observers note that the public nature of the Okoyes’ dispute has potentially damaged their collective brand value. While both Peter and Paul have achieved moderate success as solo artists, neither has recaptured the continental dominance they enjoyed as Psquare.
As Jude Okoye prepares his defense against the serious fraud allegations, the court’s bail conditions reflect the gravity of the charges. The requirement for substantial bail money, sureties with property, and travel restrictions are standard practices for cases involving high-value financial crimes in Nigeria’s federal court system.
The EFCC has intensified its prosecution of financial crimes in recent years, with several high-profile cases involving entertainment industry figures. The commission’s mandate includes investigating and prosecuting financial crimes as part of Nigeria’s efforts to improve its financial governance and international reputation.
Legal analysts suggest that cases involving alleged fraud of this magnitude typically involve extensive documentation and financial forensics, meaning the proceedings could continue for a considerable period. For the Okoye family, this suggests that public scrutiny of their personal and financial affairs will likely continue in the coming months.
As the case progresses, fans of the once-beloved music duo remain divided in their loyalties, with social media commentary reflecting the polarizing nature of the brothers’ feud. Whether this legal battle will lead to further estrangement or potentially create an opportunity for reconciliation remains to be seen.
For now, Jude Okoye must satisfy the court’s bail conditions to secure his temporary freedom while preparing to face the substantial fraud allegations brought against him by the EFCC.
