The trial of Jude Okoye, former manager of the now-defunct music duo P-Square, was adjourned on Wednesday by a Federal High Court in Lagos after Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, failed to appear for his scheduled cross-examination.
Peter, who is the complainant in the case, was expected to continue his testimony under cross-examination by the defence team during the resumed proceedings.
Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are currently facing charges before Justice Alexander Owoeye over allegations involving ₦1.3 billion and $1 million in fraud.
The case is among several legal disputes involving members of the Okoye family, whose former music group, P-Square, was once one of Nigeria’s most successful music acts.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Jude Okoye and Northside Music Limited on a seven-count charge bordering on the alleged fraud. The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, prosecuting counsel G. Akaogu informed the court that Peter Okoye could not attend because his flight from Abuja to Lagos had been rescheduled.
According to the prosecutor, the witness personally contacted him to explain his inability to make it to court and that the defence had also been notified of the development.
Akaogu subsequently requested a new hearing date to allow the witness to appear for cross-examination.
However, defence counsel Clement Onwuewunor (SAN) acknowledged receiving notice of Peter’s absence but questioned the explanation provided by the prosecution.
He told the court that he had already travelled close to the court premises before receiving the information and noted that he had another legal matter scheduled in Akure, Ondo State, which he could have attended instead.
The senior advocate further claimed that information available to him suggested Peter was already in Lagos, contrary to the prosecution’s explanation regarding flight disruptions.
After hearing submissions from both parties, Justice Owoeye adjourned the matter until September 21, 2026, for continuation of the trial.
The defence is expected to proceed with Peter Okoye’s cross-examination on the next hearing date, subject to his availability.
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