Jude Okoye, former manager of the music duo Psquare, has regained his freedom after spending two months at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.
He was released upon meeting the conditions of his bail in an ongoing ₦1.38 billion money laundering case.
Jude, the elder brother of music stars Peter and Paul Okoye, and his company, Northside Music Limited, are facing a seven-count charge at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, presided over by Justice A. Owoeye.
The case involves allegations of laundering ₦1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59. Jude pleaded not guilty when he was first arraigned on February 26, 2025. He was granted bail set at ₦100 million.
On March 3, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed an additional four-count charge against him, accusing Jude of misappropriating music royalties intended for his brothers.
According to the prosecution, he diverted large sums — including $767,544.15, £34,537.59, $133,566.49, and $118,652.20 — for his personal use, “deliberately depriving Peter of his rightful earnings.”
A second bail of ₦50 million was granted in light of these fresh charges, which Jude had initially been unable to meet.
However, on Wednesday evening, Paul Okoye shared via Instagram that Jude had finally been released. He posted videos of Jude leaving the prison and reuniting with family.
“Jude is finally out after 2 months + all their efforts to frustrate his bail has finally collapsed. Welcome home brother @judeengees And happy birthday,” he wrote.
The court case has also revived public attention on the long-standing tensions within the Okoye family.
The roots of the feud date back to 2017, when a disagreement over Jude’s role as manager led to a highly publicized split between Peter and Paul, effectively dissolving Psquare.
Although the brothers reconciled briefly in November 2021, tensions resurfaced in 2024.
In August of that year, Paul accused Peter of being behind Jude’s arrest by the EFCC. Peter denied the claim, alleging instead that Jude had funneled millions of dollars from their joint account into a secret company.
He said he was left with no choice but to report the matter to the EFCC after Paul challenged him to “do your worst” during a heated exchange.
In response, Jude maintained that he had gone to great lengths — even “sacrificing himself” — in efforts to repair his brothers’ broken relationship.