6th March , 2025
Azeez Folorunso
An Ikeja Special Offences Court on has admitted N50 million bail to the former manager of P-Square, Jude Okoye, charged with stealing one million U.S. dollars and 34, 537 pounds.
The defendant, who is also the elder brother of Peter Okoye (Alias Mr P) and Paul Okoye ( Alias Rudeboy), is standing trial alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd on a four-count charge bordering on theft, proffered against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Justice Rahman Oshodi, while delivering ruling on the bail application moved by Jude’s Lead Counsel, Mr Clement Onwuenwunor, (SAN), admitted the defendant to N50 million bail with two sureties in like sum.
Oshodi said the sureties must be gainfully employed and show evidence of three years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
He also ruled that the defendant should submit his dual citizenship to the chief registrar of the court.
Oshodi also ordered EFCC to inform immigration office of the withholding of the defendant’s international passports pending the determination of the case.
The judge said: “I have considered the affidavits evidences submitted by the parties as well as the oral application at today’s proceeding.
“The singular issue for determination is whether or not the court should exercise its discretion in favour of the first defendant by granting him bail.
“Section 115 ((2) of the ACJL confers the discretion of this court to grant bail in cases not punishable by death
“I am therefore satisfied that the issue for determination of bail should be resolved in the defendant’s favour.”
Earlier, the defence counsel, while moving the bail application dated Feb.27, had prayed the court to admit bail to the defendant on liberal basis.
Onwuenwunor had argued that the defendant had been on administrative bail since the inception of the case with EFCC and had not jumped bail.
According to him, the defendant owns 40 percent of the family company while the nominal complainant owns just 30 percent.
He prayed that for the purpose of family unity, the defendant should be released on bail in most liberal terms.
EFCC Counsel, Mr Mohammed Bashir, in his 13 paragraphs counter affidavit dated March 6, had argued that the defendant has a dual citizen identity such that could make him.be at flight risk.
Bashir, however, had told the court that the defendant was diligent at reporting himself while on administrative bail.
“To be honest, the defendant was diligent at reporting at the commission but this is a different case.
“He is standing multiple count charge before your lordship and he has dual citizenship which makes him to be flight risk.
“However, we leave everything at the discretion of the court,” he said.
The judge adjourned the case until May 16 for commencement of trial.
