Jude Okoye, the former manager of the Nigerian music duo P-Square, was granted bail on Thursday by the Ikeja Special Offences Court after being charged with stealing $1 million and £34,537. The 43-year-old, who is also the elder brother of Peter and Paul Okoye, is standing trial alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd., on four counts of theft.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought the charges against Okoye, but he pleaded not guilty to the accusations. The case has drawn significant attention due to Okoye’s prominent role in the entertainment industry and the high-profile nature of the charges.
Justice Rahman Oshodi, who presided over the case, ruled on the bail application after considering the affidavit evidence and oral submissions made by the defense and prosecution. The defense, led by Clement Onwuenwunor, SAN, argued in favor of granting bail to Okoye, and the judge ultimately agreed.
“The singular issue for determination is whether or not the court should exercise its discretion in favor of the first defendant by granting him bail,” Justice Oshodi stated while delivering his ruling. He went on to explain the legal basis for his decision, referring to Section 115 (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), which grants courts discretion to grant bail in cases not punishable by death.
Having carefully weighed the submissions, Justice Oshodi concluded that the issue of bail should be resolved in the defendant’s favor. As a result, Okoye was granted bail in the sum of N50 million, with two sureties in like sum. The sureties, the judge emphasized, must be gainfully employed and provide proof of having paid taxes to the Lagos State Government for the past three years.
Justice Oshodi also ordered that Okoye submit his dual citizenship documents to the chief registrar of the court as part of the bail conditions. This measure is believed to ensure that the defendant remains within the jurisdiction during the trial.
Furthermore, the judge directed the EFCC to inform the Nigerian Immigration Service to withhold Okoye’s international passport until the conclusion of the case. This order was intended to prevent the possibility of Okoye fleeing the country while the trial is ongoing.
