Clement Onwuenwunor, SAN the Defence Counsel in the alleged $1m, £34,537 fraud case involving Peter Okoye of P-Square and their ex-manager, Jude Okoye has tendered evidences to the court suggesting that all the claims made to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by Peter are half-truths. He made this assertion before Justice Rahman Oshodi of the State High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos on Friday, 23 May, 2025.
During cross-examination, the Defence Counsel showed the court that there were many discrepancies in Peter’s claims. In his statement to the EFCC, Peter claimed to be a graduate of the University of Abuja, whereas he was a dropout. Peter then claimed to have stated that he ‘attended’ the university not ‘graduated’. The defence counsel then showed him the evidence from the EFCC report. Peter then admitted he was a dropout.
The Defence Counsel also provided evidence to the court that Jude is not the sole signatory to Northside Entertainment Limited accounts. Indeed, Peter and Paul are category B signatories which contradicts his earlier testimony that he never had access to the accounts.
Clement Onwuenwunor, SAN, also provided bank statements showing multiple cash withdrawals made by Peter, both in dollars and naira from Northside Entertainment Limited accounts, including transfers made to him by Jude.
The account statements showed contractual disbursements to Peter and Paul whenever monies were being received, including royalties, performance fees and endorsements, suggesting that Peter lied about not receiving anything from his elder brother Jude.
Peter also claimed Jude was the sole signatory to their accounts, meanwhile in the bank mandate the three of them signed, Jude was category A signatory, while Peter and Paul are category B signatories.
Earlier, Peter told the court that he was not aware of the royalties paid by Mad Solution, but the Defence Counsel proved that indeed, the three of them contracted the company and gave them P-Square catalogues. Under that contract, the three of them have equal rights to royalties. He further provided evidence that Peter received his part of the payments.
The defence showed that Peter lied when he earlier testified to have received $25,000 and $20,000 as his first and second payment respectively from Mad Solutions suggesting that the defendant jude has been receiving so much when the group was apart. Clement Onwuenwunor, SAN presented evidence from Mad Solution documents showing that they individually received $4,330.47 and $5,837.35 as first and second payment respectively and not as Peter claimed.
Justice Oshodi admitted some documents as exhibits, including statements of accounts.
Meanwhile, the court asked the defendant’s counsel to furnish the prosecution with copies of documents he tendered before the court.
The judge said, ”If you intend to use a document, make it available to them to make the trial faster.
Justice Oshodi adjourned further proceedings till October 10 and 17, 2025 for the continuation of trial.