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

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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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Power, Protocol, and Papal Grace: The Inside Story of How It All Went Down in Rome By Bianca Ojukwu

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Power, Protocol, and Papal Grace: The Inside Story of How It All Went Down in Rome By Bianca Ojukwu

There’s something about the Vatican that strips away titles and trappings. In the shadows of St. Peter’s Basilica, under the searing Roman sun, global leaders, power players, and everyday pilgrims become equals—bound by reverence and ritual.

Power, Protocol, and Papal Grace: The Inside Story of How It All Went Down in Rome By Bianca Ojukwu

I should know. I was there.

On my last trip to the Vatican—during the funeral of Pope Francis just weeks earlier—I had witnessed something unforgettable. As President Donald Trump arrived and a crowd of dignitaries swarmed to greet him, a sharply-dressed, no-nonsense priest cut through the noise with a firm:

Scusi. This is St. Peter’s Basilica, not the White House. Kindly take your seats.

Boom. Order restored. And a reminder: here, no one upstages the moment.

So when I returned for the Installation Mass of Pope Leo XIV, I knew I’d be witnessing not just history, but human theater—with the Nigerian delegation right in the mix.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, leading the delegation, arrived in good time—early enough to soak in the atmosphere, greet dignitaries, and observe the ancient rites. As we settled into the square, I spotted Peter Obi and Kayode Fayemi, former governors and political heavyweights, already seated. After the President had taken his place, I went over to greet them—and in a rare gesture of statesmanship, they chose to accompany me to pay their respects to the President.

What followed was a surprisingly warm and humorous exchange. Far from the icy tensions back home, Tinubu welcomed them with ease, smiling, laughing, and trading quips like old friends reunited at a family function. They soon returned to their seats—but that moment, however brief, spoke volumes about what’s possible in Nigerian politics when the ego is set aside.

But Rome doesn’t care who you are. The sun showed no favoritism. Under the blazing Vatican heat, everyone—presidents, pilgrims, priests—sat exposed. The square is merciless. People faint. They’re carried off in stretchers. It’s part of the experience.

One man, seated directly in front of me, collapsed mid-Mass. Paramedics were far off, and panic briefly rippled through the crowd—until Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, leapt into action. He darted to the vestibule and returned with a cold bottle of water that was used to revive the man before medics arrived.

Meanwhile, the President—stoic and composed—sat through the entire three-hour liturgy, standing and kneeling as required, skipping only Communion. Afterward, he lingered. He chatted with Nigerian priests, seminarians, posed for selfies, and shared laughs, showing none of the fatigue one might expect.

And oh—that suit.

Tailored to perfection, the President’s power suit turned heads across the square. The cut, the stride, the confidence—it was presidential flair meeting ecclesiastical ceremony. He walked up to greet the new pontiff with grace and gravitas.

So yes, Vatican ’25 wasn’t just a religious event—it was a convergence of power, humility, diplomacy, and humanity.

From protocol to personal moments, this was history not just witnessed, but lived.

And for those of us lucky enough to be there, one thing is clear:
In Rome, you don’t just attend a Mass. You become part of a moment that echoes through eternity.

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Ngozi Okafor Unleashes a Wave of Youth Energy Through Transformative TV Content

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Ngozi Okafor Unleashes a Wave of Youth Energy Through Transformative TV Content

Ngozi Okafor Unleashes a Wave of Youth Energy Through Transformative TV Content

Renowned organizational psychologist, author, and international youth mentor, Ngozi Okafor, has unveiled a new line of inspirational television programs aimed at educating, empowering, and guiding the Nigerian youth. With over two decades of experience in youth development across the UK, USA, and Nigeria, Ngozi is bringing her message of hope and transformation directly to the screens of millions of young Nigerians.

The new programs, set to debut in the coming weeks, will focus on themes such as self-discovery, entrepreneurship, leadership, financial literacy, and mental wellness. Designed to bridge the gap between information and real-life application, each episode will feature stories of resilience, expert insights, and practical advice to help young people navigate life with clarity and confidence.

“Our young people are gifted, but many are simply not guided,” said Ngozi Okafor. “These programs are my way of reaching out—to say, ‘I see you, I believe in you, and here are tools to help you build your future.’ It’s not just about being on TV. It’s about starting conversations that lead to transformation.”

Ngozi’s journey in youth empowerment has spanned four continents, beginning in the UK with Hope Worldwide International, supporting vulnerable and homeless youth. In Atlanta, USA, she worked with Junior Achievers, leading business and leadership simulation programs, while also engaging youth in community service through initiatives like Meals on Wheels.

Back in Nigeria, Ngozi’s voice became familiar to thousands through Youth Arena on Armed Forces Radio 107.7 FM, a program that partnered with the Central Bank of Nigeria to teach financial literacy to young Nigerians through engaging broadcasts and workbooks.

Beyond media, Ngozi has directly supported more than 50 young entrepreneurs by providing startup resources such as sewing machines, baking ovens, and seed funding. Her work reflects a lifelong mission: turning inspiration into action.

“This TV project is more than content—it’s a movement,” she added. “We are building a generation that is self-aware, skilled, and ready to lead. And we’re doing it one story, one screen, and one young person at a time.”

Ngozi Okafor’s upcoming television programs promise to fill a critical void in youth development programming and are expected to air on both national and regional networks. Additional details about scheduling and partnerships will be announced soon.

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Peter Obi Breaks Silence on Rome Visit Amid Smears and Propaganda Storm

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Peter Obi Breaks Silence on Rome Visit Amid Smears and Propaganda Storm

Presidential hopeful and former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, has calmly addressed a wave of politically charged misinformation following his recent visit to the Vatican, where he attended an inauguration ceremony. The backlash, largely fanned by known government allies Femi Fani-Kayode, Reno Omokri, and Omoyele Sowore, misrepresented the nature of his visit and falsely accused him of refusing to “pay homage” to the Pope until a supposed presidential intervention.

Peter Obi Breaks Silence on Rome Visit Amid Smears and Propaganda Storm

Contrary to the sensational headlines, Mr. Obi clarified that he did not meet the Pope, nor was such a meeting on his agenda. “I bought my own ticket and traveled for what I believe is a personal, non-political trip,” he told a close confidant in Abuja before departing. Emphasizing his commitment to modesty, Obi disclosed that he flew economy class, adding, “It’s the difference between business class and economy that I use for donations to build classrooms.”

Obi’s visit to Rome mirrored his past trips to the Vatican, including the 2013 inauguration of Pope Francis. A Papal Knight and longstanding Catholic faithful, Mr. Obi is no stranger to such events. This time, he traveled alongside former Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi, both of whom held official passes granting them VIP access. They also paid a visit to Cardinal Francis Arinze, a 90-year-old Nigerian cleric and longtime Vatican figure — an act Obi has made a tradition of during such visits.

The criticisms have drawn widespread rebuke, with many questioning why a man known for self-funding his travels and donating millions to health and education continues to face political smears, while those squandering public funds remain unchallenged. Obi’s quiet return to Nigeria was followed, as usual, by school and hospital visits — the kind of grassroots outreach that has cemented his reputation as a man of service, not spectacle.

As misinformation continues to plague Nigeria’s political discourse, observers are calling for a return to truth and substance. “Enough of the lies. Enough of the propaganda. The truth has no tribe,” said a supporter who met with Obi before his Rome trip.

In an era of performative politics, Obi’s response has once again underscored his consistent message: humility, service, and transparency over noise.

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