The trial of Jude Okoye, former manager of the defunct music duo P-Square, was on Wednesday stalled at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, following the absence of the prosecution's key witness and nominal complainant, Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P.
Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are standing trial before Justice Alexander Owoeye over allegations of fraud involving N1.3 billion and $1 million.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned the defendants on a seven-count charge bordering on the alleged financial crimes. Both the former music manager and his company pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The matter came up for the continuation of the trial, with Peter Okoye scheduled to be cross-examined by the defence.
However, the prosecution counsel, Akaogu, informed the court that the witness was unable to attend the proceedings because his flight from Abuja to Lagos had been rescheduled.
"The witness called and told me that his flight from Abuja was rescheduled. That was why he could not make it to court today. I equally informed the learned Silk of this development this morning,” the prosecutor told the court while requesting a new hearing date.
Responding, counsel to the defendants, Chief Clement Onwuenwunor, SAN, confirmed that he had been informed of the witness's absence earlier in the day. However, he challenged the explanation given by the prosecution.
According to the senior advocate, information available to him indicated that Peter Okoye was already in Lagos as of the previous 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 another matter.
“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,” Onwuenwunor submitted.
Following the development, Justice Owoeye adjourned the case until September 21, 2026, for the continuation of the trial.
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