Entertainment
P-Square fraud trail: EFCC disowns Peter’s $800k claim against Jude
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday told a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja that it has no evidence to support the allegation that Jude and Paul Okoye of P-Square fraudulently withdrew $800,000, contrary to claims made by their brother, Peter Okoye.
Peter had in 2024 petitioned the EFCC accusing Jude of diverting the P-Square group funds, operating 47 undeclared bank accounts and manipulating the share structure of Northside Entertainment Ltd, a company jointly owned by them
The EFCC subsequently filed charges against Jude over alleged financial misconduct in the management of the P-Square brand.
During resumed cross-examination, EFCC counsel, M.K. Bashir, told Justice Rahman Oshodi that the commission could not present evidence for the alleged withdrawal.
When asked by the judge to substantiate Peter’s claim, Bashir said: “We do not have it. It is his evidence. Let him prove it. I can’t give what I don’t have.”
Peter had testified on May 23, 2025, that he obtained new evidence showing how Jude and Paul allegedly withdrew and shared more than $800,000 between March 2023 and October 2024.
But when defence counsel, Clement Onwuenwunor, SAN, confronted him with inconsistencies, he shifted his position, stating that the alleged withdrawal actually occurred between 2013 and 2014.
The defence further challenged Peter’s assertion that Jude operated 47 bank accounts.
Peter insisted the EFCC held the evidence, but Bashir denied the claim, saying: “I do not have 47 bank accounts. It is one of the witness’s claims, but I do not have such a copy.”
Onwuenwunor asked the court to order Peter and the EFCC to produce the alleged 47 accounts.
Justice Oshodi however rejected the request and ruled that the defence must apply formally since the documents were neither before the court nor part of the admitted evidence.
The defence also confronted Peter over his claim that Jude owned 80 per cent of Northside Entertainment.
Although Peter maintained he had proof, the defence tendered CAC records contradicting his assertion.
Peter was further questioned on his claim that he was unaware of the existence of Northside Music and that Jude signed artist Cynthia Morgan without his knowledge.
He said he only discovered the company in 2024 when Cynthia Morgan sent him her contract on Northside Entertainment letterhead, adding that while the contract was signed with Northside Music, her albums were credited to Northside Inc.
Justice Oshodi adjourned the matter to December 12, 2025, for continuation of trial.
American media mogul Oprah Winfrey has announced that the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG) in South Africa will close in 2027, marking 20 years since its founding.
The tuition-free boarding school, which opened in January 2007 following a pledge made to former South African President Nelson Mandela, was established to support academically talented girls from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Under the original partnership agreement, the school campus will be returned to South Africa’s Gauteng Department of Education after the 2027 academic year, while current students will receive full funding to complete their education.
Winfrey plans to transition her support into a new scholarship program designed to expand educational access for more young women across South Africa.
Reflecting on the milestone, the 72-year-old philanthropist praised the achievements of over 1,000 graduates and reaffirmed her commitment to empowering young women through education.
The ancient town of Ilesa came alive on Saturday as eminent personalities from across Nigeria converged on the Ijesa Sports Club premises to witness the historic investiture of Otunba Jare Ayo-Martins as the 18th President of the Ijesa Sports Club for the 2026–2028 tenure.
The colourful ceremony attracted an impressive gathering of traditional rulers, political office holders, business leaders, professionals, club members, friends, and well-wishers, all of whom turned out in large numbers to celebrate the new president and usher in a new chapter in the club’s illustrious history.
The event, which formed part of the club’s annual investiture ceremony, also featured the induction of His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, as the Grand Patron of the club.
New patrons and members were equally invested, while deserving individuals received awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions to society. A fundraising session was also held to support the club’s developmental projects.
Delivering the welcome address, Chairman of the 2026 Investiture Planning Committee, Hon. Kenneth Opebiyi, described the occasion as a historic and epoch making event in the annals of the Ijesa Sports Club, established in 1977.
He warmly welcomed the royal father, distinguished guests, patrons, trustees, award recipients, community leaders, and members, expressing appreciation for their overwhelming support and presence, which added prestige and grandeur to the ceremony.
Hon. Opebiyi noted that beyond the investiture of a new president, the event celebrated excellence, visionary leadership, selfless service, and commitment to community development.
He urged guests and stakeholders to support the transformation agenda of the new administration under the leadership of Otunba Jare Ayo-Martins.
According to him, the administration has outlined ambitious plans, including the construction of a standard lawn tennis court and the upgrading of existing sporting and recreational facilities to modern standards, calling on members and philanthropists to partner with the club in achieving these developmental goals.
He also commended members of the Investiture Planning Committee, the Executive Committee, Trustees, Patrons, and the entire membership of the club for their dedication and teamwork, which ensured the successful organisation of the event.
The investiture ceremony concluded on a high note with goodwill messages, networking, entertainment, and renewed optimism that the administration of Otunba Jare Ayo-Martins will strengthen the legacy of the Ijesa Sports Club and further promote unity, sports development, and community advancement across Ijesaland.
*© Surrealistic Media Group*
Renowned Juju music virtuoso and master guitarist, Ambassador Seun Marcus, popularly known as The Guitar Craftsman, has continued to reinforce his place as one of the leading ambassadors of contemporary Juju music following his recent visit to Nigeria, where he embarked on an extensive media tour and delivered memorable live performances.
The Edo State-born musician, who is based in Maryland, United States, made notable appearances on veteran broadcast journalist Sean Polotee’s award-winning radio programmes, Deflower Your Mind and Máágbọ̀n on Miliki FM.
During the engaging sessions, Ambassador Seun Marcus took listeners through his inspiring musical journey, highlighting decades of dedication to the Juju music genre and his commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage.
One of the major highlights of his Nigerian visit was his electrifying performance at Ileya Fiesta, a music and cultural event packaged by Surrealistic Media Group.
The event saw him thrill fans and music lovers alongside celebrated Juju maestros Aṣíwájú Dele Taiwo and Champion Kunle Opio, with the trio amongst others delivering captivating performances that left the audience yearning for more.
Speaking during his radio interviews, Ambassador Seun Marcus reflected on his longstanding relationship and memorable experiences with legendary music icons, including Rare Admiral Dele Abiodun (Adawa Super), King Sunny Ade, Sir Victor Olaiya, Segun Adewale,
I.K. Dairo,
Folly Peperempe and Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey, among other distinguished figures whose influence has shaped his remarkable career.
Widely regarded as a music encyclopedia and passionate custodian of authentic African sounds, the ace guitarist disclosed that he is currently working on a fresh collection of songs carefully crafted to blend the timeless appeal of Juju music with today’s evolving musical trends.
According to him, the forthcoming releases are expected to resonate with both longtime lovers of Juju music and a new generation of listeners across the globe.
As the leader of The Peak Stars International, Ambassador Seun Marcus has distinguished himself through a unique musical style that fuses traditional African rhythms with elements of jazz, blues and rock, creating an exciting and refreshing Juju sound that continues to earn admiration both at home and abroad.
Among his notable singles are “Kama Seru Ẹgbẹ́,” “Odale Sha Láiyé,” and “Oromi Tí Dayo,” all of which are currently available for streaming and download across major digital and social media platforms.
Music enthusiasts can also enjoy some of his performances via
YouTube:
https://youtu.be/MAEq-I8ad8Q?si=mQBfNX1R21aMsG5c
https://youtu.be/tv1SawE2pRA?si=cyKyphppwArAefOh
For bookings, concerts, festivals, private events and other performance engagements, contact:
Ambassador Seun Marcus (The Guitar Craftsman)
7016 Palamar Turn, Lanham, MD 20706, USA
Phone: +1 240 291 3044
Email:
*© Surrealistic Media Group*
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