Nigerian singer Paul Okoye, popularly known as RudeBoy, has accused his twin brother Peter Okoye of being behind the fraud charges that led to the detention of their elder brother, Jude Okoye. Jude, the former manager of the defunct music duo P-Square, was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday over allegations of laundering ₦1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59.
Jude, alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd, was brought before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos on a seven-count charge. He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges and was remanded in the Ikoyi Correctional Facility pending the hearing of his bail application. The prosecuting lawyer, Larry Aso, opposed the request by Jude’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, to have his client remanded in EFCC custody.
Paul Okoye’s Allegations Against Peter
In a video recorded at the court premises on Friday, Paul Okoye expressed his support for Jude and accused Peter of orchestrating the legal troubles. “I’m supporting him because I know the truth,” Paul told journalists. “The truth is Peter is the one putting Jude through these things. It’s Peter who is doing these. He is putting him in prison, and I’m here to bring him out.”
Paul further stated that both he and Peter were equally guilty of the allegations leveled against Jude. “I’m only standing for the truth because the same crime that they accused him of doing, then Peter is guilty, Paul is also guilty too,” he said.
Background of the Case
Jude Okoye, who managed the P-Square duo during their peak, has been embroiled in a legal battle with the EFCC over allegations of financial misconduct. The charges against him include money laundering and fraudulent activities involving substantial sums of money. The case has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of the Okoye brothers, who were once one of Nigeria’s most celebrated music acts.
The P-Square duo, comprising Paul and Peter Okoye, split in 2017 after a highly publicized feud. Since then, the brothers have pursued solo careers, with their relationship remaining strained. Jude’s arrest and detention have further complicated the family dynamics, with Paul now publicly accusing Peter of being behind the legal action.
Paul’s Promise to Secure Jude’s Release
In the video, Paul vowed to secure Jude’s release from detention, emphasizing his commitment to standing by his elder brother. “I’m here to bring him out,” he said, expressing confidence that the truth would prevail. Paul’s statements have sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with fans and followers of the Okoye family expressing mixed opinions about the ongoing feud.
Implications for the Okoye Family
The allegations and counter-allegations within the Okoye family highlight the deep-seated tensions that have persisted since the breakup of P-Square. Jude’s detention and Paul’s accusations against Peter have brought the family’s internal conflicts back into the public eye, raising questions about the future of their relationships and careers.
As Jude Okoye awaits his bail hearing, the public remains divided over the allegations and the role of Peter and Paul in the case. Paul’s decision to publicly accuse Peter of orchestrating Jude’s detention has added a new layer of complexity to the ongoing saga. The case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by families in the entertainment industry, where personal and professional conflicts often intersect.
The outcome of Jude’s legal battle and the resolution of the Okoye family’s internal disputes will be closely watched by fans and industry stakeholders. For now, Paul’s promise to stand by Jude and his accusations against Peter have reignited discussions about loyalty, family, and the price of fame.
