The fraud trial of Jude Okoye, former manager of the now-defunct music group P-Square, was stalled on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, after his younger brother and key prosecution witness, Peter Okoye, failed to appear for cross-examination.
Peter, popularly known as Mr. P, was scheduled to continue his testimony in a case involving allegations of financial crimes amounting to N1.3 billion and $1 million.
His absence triggered a disagreement between the prosecution and defence teams over the reasons behind his failure to attend the proceedings.
Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are currently standing trial before Justice Alexander Owoeye on a seven-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The defendants have pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
At the resumed hearing, prosecuting counsel G.C. Akaogu informed the court that Peter was unable to attend because his flight from Abuja to Lagos had been rescheduled.
According to the prosecutor, the witness personally communicated the development to him before the proceedings began.
“The witness called and told me that his flight from Abuja was rescheduled, and that was why he could not make it to court. I equally informed the learned Silk of this development this morning,” the prosecutor told the court.
He subsequently requested an adjournment to allow the witness to appear on another date.
However, defence counsel, Chief Clement Onwuewunor (SAN), challenged the explanation provided by the prosecution.
Although he acknowledged being informed about Peter’s absence earlier in the day, he argued that information available to him suggested the witness was already in Lagos and had not travelled from Abuja as claimed.
“The prosecutor informed me of the development when I was at Falomo, close to the court. I complained bitterly because I ought to be in Akure for a matter.
“In fact, I was just told that the witness did not travel; he is in Lagos, and I do not know why the prosecutor said his flight was rescheduled,” Onwuewunor stated.
Following arguments from both parties, Justice Owoeye adjourned the matter until September 21, 2026, for the continuation of the trial.
The postponement delays the highly anticipated cross-examination of Peter Okoye, whose testimony remains a critical component of the prosecution’s case.
The EFCC alleges that Jude Okoye and Northside Music Limited were involved in financial transactions worth N1.3 billion and $1 million, allegations that the defendants have consistently denied.
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