 |
| Image: Google |
The ongoing trial involving former P-Square manager Jude Okoye was on Wednesday stalled at the Federal High Court in Lagos after key prosecution witness and complainant Peter Okoye failed to appear in court for cross-examination.
Jude Okoye, alongside his company Northside Music Limited, is currently standing trial before Justice Alexander Owoeye on allegations bordering on alleged fraud involving N1.3 billion and $1 million. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
At the resumed hearing, EFCC counsel G. C. Akaogu informed the court that Peter Okoye was unable to attend proceedings due to travel complications. According to the prosecution, the witness was scheduled to fly from Abuja to Lagos but experienced a last-minute rescheduling of his flight.
“The witness called and told me that his flight from Abuja was rescheduled. That was why he could not make it to court today,” the prosecutor told the court, adding that defence counsel had been informed earlier in the day.
The prosecution therefore requested an adjournment to enable the witness appear at the next sitting for continuation of cross-examination.
However, the defence counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Clement Onwuenwunor, challenged the explanation given by the prosecution, raising doubts about whether the witness was actually affected by any flight delay.
While confirming that he was notified of Peter Okoye’s absence, the defence counsel argued that the circumstances surrounding the explanation appeared unclear and inconsistent.
“The prosecutor informed me of the development when I was at Falomo, close to the court. I complained bitterly because I ought to be in Akure for another matter,” he said.
He further suggested that contrary to the claim of a rescheduled flight, the witness might not have travelled at all.
“In fact, I was just told that the witness did not travel. He is in Lagos, and I do not know why the prosecutor said his flight was rescheduled,” the defence counsel stated in court.
The conflicting accounts between the prosecution and defence were not resolved by the court during the session, as no immediate ruling was made regarding the whereabouts of the witness.
Justice Owoeye subsequently adjourned the matter to September 21, 2026, for continuation of trial proceedings.
The case, which has drawn significant public attention due to the involvement of former members of the iconic music duo P-Square, centres on allegations that Jude Okoye and Northside Music Limited engaged in fraudulent financial transactions totalling N1.3 billion and $1 million.
The EFCC maintains that the alleged offences violate provisions of Nigeria’s financial laws, while the defendants continue to deny all charges.
The trial has experienced multiple adjournments since it began, largely due to procedural issues and scheduling conflicts involving witnesses and legal representatives.
Legal observers note that the appearance of key witnesses such as Peter Okoye is critical to the prosecution’s case, as his testimony is expected to play a central role in establishing the allegations before the court.
For now, the proceedings remain ongoing, with both sides preparing for the next hearing date as the legal battle continues.
#JudeOkoye
#NollywoodTimes
#TrendingNow
No comments:
Post a Comment