Peter Okoye, one-half of defunct music group P Square has declared that he is not the one responsible for the legal travails that his elder brother Jude Okoye is facing in the hands of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Recall that on Wednesday, February 26, Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Ltd., were charged with seven counts of allegedly laundering N1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59.
“That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometime in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did directly acquire a landed property known as No 5, Tony Eromosele Street Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, worth N850,000,000.00 (Eight hundred and fifty million naira) only, which money you knew or reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful act and thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.” One of the counts against Jude Okoye read.
“That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd. sometime in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did indirectly using bureau de change convert the sum of $1,019,762.87 (One million nineteen thousand, seven hundred and six-two dollars eighty-seven cents), domiciled in Access Bank Plc operated by Northside Music Lid to the naira equivalent and remitted into various bank accounts with intention of concealing that the said fund form part of the proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2)(a) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.” The second count against Jude Okoye, who pleaded not guilty to the charges against him read.
Moments after the trial, Paul in a post on social media said that this was what someone had always wanted, but he did not specify who. However, close observers have concluded that it was Peter, Paul’s twin brother, who had petitioned the EFCC after learning that Jude had established a “secret company” and was using money from their joint business to fund it.
READ ALSO: ALLEGED N1.3BN FRAUD: Paul Okoye drums up support for elder brother, Jude, after arraignment, remand by EFCC
Paul later declared openly in a post shared on his official Instagram page that Peter is the one that initiated legal action against Jude but he will do everything to bring his elder brother out of the jaws of the EFCC.
“The truth is reports are making it look like Jude is a fraud but let’s call a spade a spade. Peter is the one putting Jude through this. Peter is doing this and putting him in prison; I’m here to bring him out.” Paul wrote in part on his Official Instagram page.
While reacting to the claims made by his twin brother, Peter, who responded through his manager, Emem Kush, refuted Peter’s involvement in the legal challenges that his elder brother Jude is facing at the moment.
She said; “I don’t know who Peter is on this issue. And I don’t think he has any comment on this issue.
“The case is between the EFCC, based on their investigation, and Jude Okoye. I don’t see how Peter Okoye has anything to do with it.
“We have no comment on this matter. Peter didn’t drag anybody to the EFCC. The petition was against the company that has been receiving funds on his behalf. And he knew nothing about it. Don’t mix up issues, and let’s not create issues where they are not.”
Source: Ripples