Entertainment

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

Published

4 weeks 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

‘Enough Is Enough,’ 2Baba, Other Celebrities Break Silence On Benue Killings

Published

3 days ago

June 16, 2025

Editor

Nigerian music star, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has demanded urgent and collective action against the renewed killings in Benue State, describing the situation as a “national emergency”.

In a video posted to Instagram on Sunday, the Benue-born singer expressed grief and frustration over the incessant bloodshed in his home state.

“What is going on in my state has become a national emergency. I cannot wrap my head around it. I don’t even know what to say at this point in time because it is going to be business as usual,” he lamented.

His outcry followed fresh attacks in the state, where over 100 people were reportedly killed by suspected herders in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area (LGA).

Another 25 were slain in Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa in Makurdi LGA.

2Baba, 49, said the situation has become “ridiculous” and called for urgent collaboration among all stakeholders.

“This thing has to stop. It has to involve everybody. Every stakeholder in this country, every stakeholder in Benue State. This is not child’s play. It’s becoming ridiculous.

“My heart is heavy. I am terribly sad, terribly angry. What is happening in Benue has gone beyond mere condemnation. Serious action needs to be taken,” he said.

His remarks have also elicited further reactions from several public figures. Nigerian rapper Olamide took to X (formerly Twitter), reposting 2Baba’s video, writing, “Prayers up for Benue.”

Comedian Ayo Makun, known as AY, added on Instagram, “We cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering happening in our homeland. It’s time for us to stand together.”

Pastor Femi Lazarus urged the Federal Government to act swiftly, citing a trail of violence from “Benue to Plateau to Kaduna, Borno.”

Also weighing in, media personality Bobrisky criticised lawmakers for ignoring the killings while prioritising less critical matters.

“Senators/House of Representatives didn’t call an urgent meeting over the killings in Benue… but they can call an urgent meeting when it comes to Bobrisky. Shame!!!!” he wrote.

Meanwhile, the massacre has triggered protests in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. On Sunday, angry youths converged at the Wurukum food basket roundabout, demanding justice and condemning what they described as silence from both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia.

The youths were later joined by a social media influencer, Martin Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).

The renewed attacks in Benue have left hundreds dead and displaced many. On Friday, June 14, at least 59 people—including military and civil defence personnel—were killed during a night assault on the Yelewata community.

In April, about 60 residents were slaughtered in Ukum and Logo LGAs, while another 42 people were killed in Gwer West in May.

The violence has drawn condemnation from international and national figures. Pope Leo XIV described the recent incidents as a “terrible massacre” and urged justice.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party leader Peter Obi also criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the crisis.

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue refuted claims that Abuja has neglected the state. Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, he said President Bola Tinubu has been supportive.

“Seventeen local governments out of 23 were under siege. We fought it down to three with full Federal support. The last time we had severe attacks, three security units were sent from the Federal Government, and those who occupied local areas had to flee,” he said.

Governor Alia further blamed the state’s porous borders for the continued violence.

“We share borders with Cameroon, Taraba, and Nasarawa. The attackers are not necessarily Nigerians. A thief doesn’t just come into a community unless someone within that community helps,” he said, adding that some militia may have local collaborators within Benue.

He noted a growing shift in the pattern of violence and lamented that what began as clashes between farmers and herders has now evolved into well-armed, targeted attacks with little to no link to grazing.

“Before now, we talked about the farmer-herder crisis. Now, they come with no cattle. They attack, kill, and then others return to occupy the land,” he said.

The governor also cited intelligence reports from Nasarawa, claiming some of the terrorists may be using Benue as a passage route.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has announced plans to visit Benue State on Wednesday to condole with residents.

The president made this known on Monday, during the inauguration of the Greater Abuja Water Supply Project; Tinubu said he would adjust his schedule to make the trip.
(Channels TV)

Entertainment

Davido Withdraws From 50 Cent’s London Concert

Published

3 days ago

June 16, 2025

Editor

Global superstar, Davido, has officially pulled out of 50 Cent’s anticipated concert at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on July 3, where he was slated to share the stage with hip-hop heavyweight and R&B legend, Mary J. Blige.

The Afrobeats star broke the news via his Instagram story, stressing that his decision was not due to low ticket sales or lack of support, but rooted in artistic integrity.

“This decision is not a reflection of turnout or support; it is a matter of principle and respect for my craft, my fans, and the culture I represent,” Davido stated.

He explained that while he had fully committed to the event and worked closely with The Necto Future Group, promoters of IconicPresents, there were ongoing issues with the event’s execution.

“Over the past few weeks, I have extended my full support and professionalism to The Necto Future Group, promoters of iconicpresents, with the sincere intention of delivering a performance that meets the high standards my fans deserve,” he wrote.

“Despite strong fan support and impressive ticket sales, there have been major misalignments regarding the event’s execution, particularly concerning key elements required to uphold the integrity and quality of my performance.

“Unfortunately, these issues remain unresolved. As a result, I regret to inform you that I will no longer be performing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on July 3rd,” he added.

While the show will proceed without him, Davido reassured fans that the rest of his summer tour would remain unaffected.

“London, I’ll see you guys soon, I promise! The rest of the shows this summer are still happening. 5ive is still alive! See you guys in Germany, Portugal, Belgium, Canada, and the US! Africa must be respected.”

Entertainment

Mayorkun Praises Davido For Supporting His Sony Music Africa Deal

Published

5 days ago

June 14, 2025

Editor

Nigerian music star, Mayorkun, has opened up about the vital role Davido played in advancing his career, expressing heartfelt gratitude to his former label boss for helping him secure a major deal with Sony Music Africa.

Mayorkun, who rose to fame under Davido Music Worldwide (DMW) in 2016 and parted ways with the label in 2021, is now signed to Sony Music West Africa. The transition sparked speculations of a possible rift between the two, but Mayorkun has now set the records straight.

In a recent interview with 3Music TV, the “Certified Loner” crooner dispelled the rumours, making it clear that there’s no bad blood between him and Davido.

“Aside from having my label, right now I am also with Sony Africa. Shout out to Davido for that as well, he facilitated the deal,” Mayorkun said.

His revelation not only squashes rumours of a feud but also highlights the ongoing respect and brotherhood between the two artists. It’s a testament to Davido’s influence and unwavering support for those he’s mentored, even after they move on to new opportunities.

Fans have welcomed the news warmly, celebrating the spirit of collaboration, mentorship, and mutual respect that continues to shape the Nigerian music industry.