Entertainment

Alleged $1m Fraud: P-Square’s Peter Lied About Education, Royalties, Bank Access–Defence Lawyer

Published

1 month ago

May 24, 2025

In a dramatic turn of events in the ongoing fraud trial involving Nigerian music star Peter Okoye of P-Square and their former manager Jude Okoye, the defence counsel, Clement Onwuenwunor, SAN, on Friday accused Peter of deliberately misleading the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, with false and contradictory claims.

The EFCC had arraigned the defendant alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd on a four-count charge.

In one of the counts, Jude and his Northside Music Limited allegedly dishonestly converted the sum of $767,544.15 to his use.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

In his evidence in chief on May 16, Peter had narrated how he was allegedly defrauded by his brother Jude and Northside Entertainment.

However during cross examination, on Friday, defence lawyer, Onwuenwunor pointedly told the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, presided over by Justice Rahman Oshodi that Peter’s testimony was riddled with inconsistencies and outright fabrications intended to mislead the EFCC and tarnish the reputation of the defendant, Jude Okoye.

During a heated cross-examination, the defence discredited Peter’s earlier statement to the EFCC in which he described himself as a graduate of the University of Abuja.

Contrary to that claim, Onwuenwunor revealed that Peter had, in fact, dropped out of the institution.

When confronted with the discrepancy between his oral claims and written EFCC testimony, Peter attempted to backtrack, stating that he had only said he “attended” the university.

However, the defence tendered the EFCC’s documented records in which Peter specifically described himself as a “graduate,” prompting him to admit in open court that he had not completed his studies.

Onwuenwunor further presented documentary evidence proving that Peter and his twin brother Paul were not only aware of but also had signatory access to Northside Entertainment Limited accounts.

Contrary to Peter’s earlier claim that Jude Okoye was the sole signatory and that he had no access to financial dealings, the defence produced a bank mandate clearly stating that Jude was a Category A signatory, while Peter and Paul were Category B signatories.

The defence counsel also submitted bank statements that showed Peter personally withdrew large sums in both naira and dollars from the company’s account.

There were also multiple direct transfers made to him by Jude Okoye. These records stood in direct contradiction to Peter’s sworn statement that he never benefited financially from the company or from any deals executed under Jude’s management.

Onwuenwunor also questioned Peter over his claim regarding royalty payments from Mad Solutions, the company handling the P-Square music catalogue.

Peter had previously testified that he was unaware of the contract with Mad Solutions and had only received $25,000 and $20,000 in royalty payments, implying that Jude had siphoned the larger share.

But the defence countered the narrative by presenting documents to the court confirming that the agreement with Mad Solutions was signed by all three parties—Jude, Peter, and Paul—and that each had equal entitlement to royalty payments.

The document contrary to Peter’s assertion, according to the defence, revealed that he actually received $4,330.47 and $5,837.35 as his first and second payments, respectively—figures far lower than the $25,000 and $20,000 he claimed under oath.

“Peter’s testimony before the EFCC is riddled with lies and misrepresentations. He has made multiple assertions that have now been shown to be false under cross-examination. This is not just a matter of forgetfulness. This is an intentional effort to mislead investigators and this honourable court,” Onwuenwunor told the court.

Justice Oshodi, while admitting several of the bank documents and EFCC statements into evidence, advised the defence to ensure all documents are made available to the prosecution ahead of further proceedings.

“If you intend to use a document, make it available to them to make the trial faster,” the judge said.

The trial was adjourned to October 10 and 17, 2025, for continuation of trial.

Entertainment

2Face Controversy: Family, Friends Speak Out Amid Apology Backlash

Published

12 hours ago

July 5, 2025

Editor

The recent public apology issued by Nigerian music legend, 2Face Idibia, over his comments on men and commitment has sparked a heated debate, with family and friends weighing in on the controversy.

According to reports, 2Face’s apology was met with skepticism, with many believing he was forced to retract his statement.

Media personality, Daddy Freeze, claimed that 2Face was being controlled by someone, while former dancehall star, Cynthia Morgan, accused 2Face’s wife, Natasha Osawaru, of allegedly forcing him to issue the apology.

In a shocking turn of events, 2Face’s brother, Charles Idibia (Charlybrave), penned an emotional open letter to the singer, accusing Natasha of manipulation and control.

Charlybrave detailed alleged instances of Natasha’s meddling, including isolating 2Face from his business and personal life.

Meanwhile, media personality, Do2dtun, expressed concern over 2Face’s well-being, stating that the singer’s apology video seemed unnatural. Do2dtun believes 2Face needs help and recommended therapy, suggesting that someone was exploiting his vulnerability.

The situation has raised questions about the dynamics of 2Face’s personal life and the impact of his public apology.

As the debate continues, many are calling on 2Face to prioritise his well-being and take action to protect himself.

With family and friends speaking out, the controversy surrounding 2Face’s apology is unlikely to die down anytime soon. One thing is certain, however, 2Face’s fans and the public are eager to see how this situation unfolds.

Entertainment

Meet First African Artiste Who Get Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star

Published

2 days ago

July 3, 2025

Editor

Five-time Grammy Award-winning singer Angelique Kidjo is poised to make history as the first African artiste to be honoured with a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Renowned for her powerful vocals, genre-blending music, and dynamic stage presence, Angelique Kidjo will be recognised in the “Recordings” category. She joins a celebrated lineup of honorees that includes Miley Cyrus and The Clark Sisters.

This prestigious honour acknowledges Kidjo’s decades-long contribution to music and her enduring commitment to sharing African culture and sounds with the global community.

The honorees were selected by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s Walk of Fame selection panel from hundreds of nominations during a June 20 meeting. The Chamber’s board of directors approved the selections on June 25.

The Walk of Fame Class of 2026 features 35 prominent figures across the entertainment spectrum, including music, film, television, live performance, and sports.

“We are excited to announce the newest selections of 35 esteemed individuals who will be enshrined onto the Walk of Fame,” said Peter Roth, former CEO of Warner Bros. Television and chairman of the Walk of Fame selection committee, in a statement.

“These talented individuals have made significant contributions to the world of entertainment, and we are thrilled to honor them with this well-deserved recognition.”

Full List of 2026 Walk of Fame Honorees

Recordings

Air Supply
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Paulinho da Costa
The Clark Sisters
Miley Cyrus
Josh Groban
Intocable
Angélique Kidjo
Lyle Lovett
Motion Pictures

Emily Blunt
Timothée Chalamet
Chris Columbus
Marion Cotillard
Keith David
Rami Malek
Rachel McAdams
Demi Moore
Franco Nero
Deepika Padukone
Molly Ringwald
Stanley Tucci
Carlo Ramboldi (Posthumous)
Tony Scott (Posthumous)
Television

Greg Daniels
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Lucero
Chef Gordon Ramsay
Melody Thomas Scott
Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos (double ceremony)
Bradley Whitford
Noah Wyle
Live Theatre/Performance

Lea Salonga
Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias
Sports Entertainment

Shaquille O’Neal
The date of Angélique Kidjo’s star unveiling ceremony has not yet been announced.

Now 64, the Beninese-French singer continues to be celebrated for her boundary-pushing artistry, visually captivating music videos, and role as a cultural ambassador. In addition to her five Grammy Awards, she received the 2023 Polar Music Prize. A vocal activist and actress, Kidjo is widely considered one of Africa’s greatest music icons.

Entertainment

‘This Is Not Me’ – 2Baba Apologises To Wife Natasha, Children Over Controversial Comments

Published

4 days ago

July 2, 2025

Editor

Popular Nigerian singer Innocent Idibia, better known as 2Baba, has issued a heartfelt apology to his wife, Natasha, and their children following the backlash from a controversial statement he made about male sexuality and monogamy.

During a recent appearance on the 234 Mzansi podcast hosted by Nedu and others, the award-winning singer claimed it is “nearly impossible” for a man to remain sexually involved with only one woman, even if he deeply loves her. The remark quickly sparked widespread criticism and intense public debate.

In a remorseful post shared via his Instagram page on Wednesday, 2Baba acknowledged the gravity of his words and the hurt they caused.

He said, “I know I fxxked up with what I said. I know I am going to pay dearly for it. I’m going to pay the heavy price for this, you know; I said what I said, man. I didn’t say it appropriately.

“This is my situation; there is no excuse. I own up to that. I have hurt so many people – my fans, people that hold me up in high esteem, and millions of people who look up to me. This is not me; I’m terribly sorry for allowing myself, but one thing I’m sure of is that I’m sorry to my wife, the love of my life, Natasha. She is amazing, wonderful and smart. I’m so sorry. And also to my kids: you don’t deserve the kind of things I put them into.

“I’m Tuface Idibia; I’m 2Baba. I’m fortunate enough to have achieved a lot to have people look up to me. They call me the legend, but this talk of mine was quite unlegendary. I feel bad I own up to my mistakes.

“I know I will pay the price, but I just expressed myself. It’s something I thought we just said; we looked at it as a cruise, but the amount of response I got made me see the amount of love and respect people have for me, and for me to make that stupid statement, it cancelled everything. People that know me know that that’s not who I am. I dey talk some kinds of things.

“My music speaks for me.” I know you will be wondering if it’s the same person that said that thing.”