The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday, adjourned the trial of Jude Okoye Chigozie, the older brother and former manager of music duo Paul and Peter Okoye, to April 14, 2025.
Okoye is facing a seven-count charge alongside his company, Northside Music Limited, over allegations of money laundering brought against him by the Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
One of the charges alleges that in 2022, Okoye and Northside Music Limited acquired a landed property worth ₦850 million at No. 5, Tony Eromosele Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, knowing or reasonably suspecting that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity. The alleged offence contravenes Section 18 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and is punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act.
Upon his arraignment on February 26, 2025, Okoye pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During Monday’s proceedings, his lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, moved a bail application on medical grounds, urging the court to grant his client bail. However, EFCC counsel, Fanen Anum, opposed the application, arguing that Okoye posed a flight risk and could interfere with witnesses.
After considering both submissions, Justice Alexander Owoeye ruled that the charges were bailable and granted Okoye bail in the sum of ₦100 million with two sureties in like sum. One of the sureties must own landed property within the court’s jurisdiction. Additionally, the court ordered that Okoye must notify the EFCC before traveling outside the jurisdiction.
Justice Owoeye subsequently adjourned the case to April 14, 2025, for further hearing.
