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EFCC Arraigns Jude Okoye Over Multi-Million Dollar Theft and Money Laundering Allegations

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2 months ago

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EFCC Arraigns Jude Okoye Over Multi-Million Dollar Theft and Money Laundering Allegations

EFCC Arraigns Jude Okoye Over Multi-Million Dollar Theft and Money Laundering Allegations

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign Jude Okoye, the elder brother of popular Nigerian music duo Peter Okoye (Mr. P) and Paul Okoye (Rudeboy), over alleged financial crimes amounting to $1,019,763.87 and £34,537.59. The former manager of the defunct P-Square group will face trial on Tuesday at the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja on fresh charges of theft and misappropriation of royalties.

The EFCC has filed four counts of theft against Okoye before Justice Rahman Oshodi. However, his scheduled arraignment on Monday was stalled due to logistical issues at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, which had not received the necessary information for his appearance in Ikeja.

Allegations Against Jude Okoye

According to the charge marked Ref/99260/2025, the anti-graft agency alleges that Okoye dishonestly converted $767,544.15, a sum paid to Lex Records Limited for music digital distribution and publishing royalties, thereby depriving Peter Okoye of his rightful share. The charge further states that between 2016 and 2023, Okoye converted £34,537.59, also paid by Lex Records Limited, without authorization or consent.

The EFCC also accuses Okoye of misappropriating $133,566.49 received from Kobalt Music for digital distribution and publishing royalties, along with an additional $118,652.23 paid by Mtech Limited, all of which allegedly belonged to Peter Okoye. These offences, the commission asserts, contravene Sections 278 and 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

Previous Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions

In a separate case, Okoye was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos on February 26, 2025, on charges of money laundering involving N1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59. He was arraigned alongside his company, Northside Music Limited, on seven counts of financial crimes.

According to the EFCC, Okoye and Northside Music Limited allegedly acquired a property valued at N850 million at No. 5 Tony Eromosele Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, using proceeds from illicit financial activities. The agency further alleges that in 2022, Okoye used a Bureau De Change to convert $1,019,762.87 from an Access Bank account into naira and subsequently transferred the funds to various accounts in an attempt to obscure the origin of the money.

Despite pleading not guilty to all charges, Okoye was remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending a bail ruling. On Monday, Justice Alexander Owoeye granted him bail in the sum of N100 million with two sureties in like sum. The court mandated that one of the sureties must be a landed property owner, while the other must be a business owner with a verifiable address. The judge further directed that the sureties present an affidavit of means and that the property title as well as their Bank Verification Number (BVN) be deposited with the court.

Justice Owoeye also imposed a travel restriction on Okoye, barring him from leaving the country until the case is concluded. He remains in custody at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending the fulfillment of his bail conditions.

Trial Date Set Amidst Industry Reactions

The trial is set to commence on April 14, 2025, as the EFCC intensifies its crackdown on financial crimes in the Nigerian entertainment industry. The case has sent shockwaves across the music and entertainment sectors, raising concerns about financial transparency and trust in music management deals.

Industry stakeholders have expressed mixed reactions to the case, with some calling for stringent measures to prevent financial mismanagement in the entertainment industry. Others argue that the ongoing legal battle could significantly impact the reputation and future dealings of Nigerian artists with international music distribution firms.

As the case unfolds, all eyes will be on the Nigerian judicial system to ensure justice is served in what could be one of the most high-profile financial crime cases involving a key figure in Nigeria’s music industry.

 

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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#FreeVDM Trends as EFCC Secures Court Order to Remand VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Cybercrime

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1 day ago

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May 6, 2025

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#FreeVDM Trends as EFCC Secures Court Order to Remand VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Cybercrime

#FreeVDM Trends as EFCC Secures Court Order to Remand VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Cybercrime

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has obtained a court order to remand controversial social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), pending the conclusion of an investigation into alleged cybercrime offences.

VDM was dramatically arrested last Friday outside a bank in the Wuse area of Abuja by a combined team of EFCC operatives, Department of State Services (DSS) officers, and the Nigeria Police Force. Eyewitnesses say the activist was apprehended moments after leaving the bank, sparking immediate online outrage.

The arrest has ignited a social media firestorm, with the hashtag #FreeVDM dominating trends across platforms throughout the weekend. Many critics argue that the arrest is yet another attempt by authorities to intimidate dissenting voices online.

“The remand order was granted to allow us to complete our investigation and finalize the charges,” a senior EFCC official told reporters, noting that charges would be filed under the Cybercrimes Act once investigations are complete.

Sources familiar with the case say the EFCC is building a case focused on alleged violations involving online financial misconduct, which fall under the commission’s purview.

As of Monday morning, VDM remains in EFCC custody, with his legal team led by rights activist Deji Adeyanju confirming efforts to gain access to him and prepare a legal response.

“We are seeking to visit our client and are reviewing the legal implications of his arrest,” Adeyanju said in a statement.

Despite the mounting public interest and widespread speculation, the EFCC has yet to release an official statement detailing the arrest or outlining the specific charges VDM may face.

The arrest of VeryDarkMan adds to growing concerns over press freedom and digital expression in Nigeria, where several social media commentators have recently faced legal action for controversial posts.

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David Abioye Begins New Chapter with Launch of Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly

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3 days ago

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May 5, 2025

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David Abioye Begins New Chapter with Launch of Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly

David Abioye Launches New Church, Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly, Amid Jubilant Crowd

Former Vice President and retired pastor of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Abioye, has officially inaugurated his new ministry, Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly, marking a new chapter in his over four-decade-long spiritual journey.

The launch took place today, Sunday, May 4, 2025, during the ministry’s first Sunday service, which saw a massive turnout of enthusiastic worshippers. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as congregants gathered to witness what Abioye described as the “manifestation of God’s eternal purpose.”

In a passionate address during the inaugural service, Abioye emphasized that the establishment of the new church was not the result of public opinion or personal ambition, but a divine assignment birthed from deep spiritual conviction.

“May I make it very clear that the inauguration of this assembly is not in response to demands of people to start a church,” Abioye declared. “But by the emergence of God’s eternal purpose, ordained from the foundation of the word, which is just coming to light at His own time.”

The renowned cleric explained that the Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly is founded on divine direction and is dedicated to the spiritual development, edification, and victory of believers worldwide.

Clarifying his role in the new ministry, Abioye stated that he does not view himself as someone attempting to fulfill the entire Great Commission alone, but rather as a messenger raised for a specific divine assignment within God’s broader agenda.

“In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, for the spiritual development, edification, and triumph of the saints globally… this assembly is hereby inaugurated,” he declared, drawing a resounding “Amen” from the congregation.

The launch follows Abioye’s retirement from Living Faith Church in October 2024, alongside Pastor Thomas Aremu, after the church implemented a policy setting a mandatory retirement age for senior leaders. Abioye bowed out of active service at the age of 63, concluding a distinguished ministry career under the leadership of Bishop David Oyedepo.

As the curtain lifts on this new ministry, many see it not as a departure from Abioye’s legacy, but as a continuation of his divine calling—this time under a new banner with a global vision.

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Power in Service: Texas Outpouring 2025 Led by Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse Calls for Volunteers

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6 days ago

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May 1, 2025

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Power in Service: Texas Outpouring 2025 Led by Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse Calls for Volunteers

A spiritual wave is set to sweep across Dallas this October as the Outpouring Healing & Miracle Conference 2025 returns with greater power, purpose, and partnership. Hosted by Freedom for All Nations Outreach (FANO) of South Africa in collaboration with Power Haven Church (PHC) of Dallas, Texas, the two-day event is scheduled for October 3rd and 4th at 7 PM (CST) — with the venue to be announced soon.
Power in Service: Texas Outpouring 2025 Led by Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse Calls for Volunteers
Led by international minister Dr. Samuel Akinbodunse from South Africa , the conference promises an electrifying atmosphere of worship, healing, prophecy, and divine encounters. With an expected turnout of thousands, the organizers are making a call for volunteers to help support this mega-faith gathering.
The volunteer drive is open for various departments including:
Ushering
Protocol
Car Guard
Security
Music Ministry
Sound Engineering
Publicity
Logistics
Registration & Administration
Service Managers
Coordinators
Health Team
Welfare/Children Care
Transportation
Hospitality
Those willing to serve are encouraged to scan the QR code on the official event flyer to register and join the workforce powering this divine mission.
“This is more than just a conference — it’s a divine appointment,” said Dr. Akinbodunse. “We’re preparing a space where heaven meets earth, and every helping hand makes a difference.”
With a theme centered on healing and miracles, Outpouring 2025 is not only a spiritual highlight on the calendar, but also a unifying force drawing believers from across nations.
Stay tuned for the venue announcement and get ready to witness a powerful move of God in Dallas this October.
Power in Service: Texas Outpouring 2025 Led by Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse Calls for Volunteers

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