The continued hearing in the trial of Jude Okoye, former manager of the defunct music group, P-Square, was on Wednesday stalled before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos following the absence of Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr. P.
Peter, who is the nominal complainant in the case, was scheduled to be cross-examined by the defense team at the resumed hearing.
Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are standing trial before Justice Alexander Owoeye over alleged ₦1.3 billion and $1 million fraud.
The trial is one of the legal disputes involving members of the Okoye family, whose former music group, P-Square, was one of Nigeria’s most successful entertainment brands before its breakup.
Naija News reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arraigned Jude and the company on seven counts bordering on the alleged fraud. The defendants, however, denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
At the resumed hearing, the prosecution counsel, G. Akaogu, informed the court that Peter could not attend the proceedings because his flight from Abuja to Lagos was rescheduled.
Akaogu told the court that the witness had contacted him to explain why he was unable to appear for cross-examination.
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“The witness called and told me that his flight from Abuja was rescheduled, that was why he could not make it to court. I equally informed the learned Silk of this development this morning,” the prosecutor said.
Following the development, the prosecutor prayed the court for another date to enable the witness to appear for cross-examination.
Counsel to the defendant, Clement Onwuewunor, SAN, confirmed that he was informed of the witness’ absence but disagreed with the explanation given by the prosecution.
Onwuewunor told the court that he received the information when he was already close to the court premises, adding that he had another matter in Akure, Ondo State, which he could have attended.
According to him, an impeccable source informed him that Peter was already in Lagos as of Wednesday evening.
“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 a matter,” the defense counsel said.
“Infact, 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,” Onwuewunor added.
After listening to the parties, Justice Owoeye adjourned the matter till September 21, 2026, for further hearing.
The adjournment means Peter’s cross-examination by the defense will continue on the next date, depending on his availability.
