PARIS OLYMPIC GAMES
Paul Okoye has vowed to do everything within his power to secure the release of his elder brother, Jude Okoye, who was remanded in custody over alleged money laundering charges.
Paul, also known as Rudeboy, has alleged that their half-brother, Peter Okoye, is behind Jude’s legal troubles and is using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to settle personal scores.
Persecondnews recalls that Jude, the former manager of the defunct music group P-Square, was arraigned on Wednesday by the EFCC alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd.
He was charged with laundering ₦1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59 before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos.
One of the charges against him states that in 2022, Jude acquired a property worth ₦850 million at Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, using funds suspected to be from unlawful activities.
Another charge alleged that he used a bureau de change to convert over $1 million into naira and transferred the funds across multiple bank accounts to disguise their origin.
Despite pleading not guilty, Jude was ordered to remain in custody until his bail hearing on March 3, a decision that has further enraged Paul.
He insisted that the case is a setup, alleging that Peter had been plotting against Jude for years and finally found a way to use legal means to bring him down.
Paul, who was in court to support Jude, publicly declared that he would do everything within his power to get his brother out of prison.
He accused Peter of manipulating financial records and working with the authorities to frame Jude in a calculated move to destroy him.
Offering to stand as Jude’s surety, Paul presented himself before the court, but the judge asked him to submit the necessary documents through his lawyer.
The prosecution, however, opposed bail, arguing that Jude posed a flight risk and could interfere with witnesses.
Jude’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, refuted the claims, stating that his client had cooperated fully with investigators and had no reason to flee.
He insisted that the charges were baseless and fueled by family conflict rather than genuine legal concerns.
The case has reopened deep wounds within the Okoye family, reviving the bitter feud that initially led to the breakup of P-Square in 2017.
Although the twin brothers reconciled in 2021, their peace was short-lived, and their relationship soured again in 2024.
Paul has repeatedly accused Peter of betraying their family, and this latest episode has only worsened the divide.
In August 2024, Paul claimed that Peter was behind Jude’s ordeal, alleging that he used his influence to drag their elder brother into a legal battle.
Peter, however, has denied these allegations, instead accusing Jude of embezzling millions from their joint account and diverting funds into a private company.
He claimed that after confronting Jude, Paul defended him and challenged him to “do his worst,” leaving him with no option but to involve the EFCC.
With the court set to hear Jude’s bail application on March 3 and his trial scheduled for April 14, the battle between the Okoye brothers has now moved from family disputes to a full-blown legal war.
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