The trial of music executive Jude Okoye over an alleged N1.38 billion fraud case was stalled on Thursday following the absence of key prosecution witness, Peter Okoye, at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Jude Okoye, the elder brother and former manager of the defunct music duo P-Square, is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations bordering on money laundering and financial misconduct involving over N1.3 billion.
At the resumed hearing, counsel to the EFCC informed the court that Peter Okoye, who had previously testified for the prosecution, was unavailable to appear before the court due to circumstances beyond his control. The anti-graft agency consequently requested a new date to continue its case.
The defence team did not oppose the application, prompting the presiding judge to adjourn the matter to a later date for the continuation of trial.
The case has attracted significant public attention due to the long-standing family disputes between the Okoye brothers, which have frequently made headlines over the years.
Jude Okoye has maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against him by the EFCC. The commission alleges that funds linked to the case were unlawfully diverted through various transactions, claims the defendant has strongly denied.
With the prosecution yet to conclude the presentation of its witnesses, the court is expected to continue hearing evidence when proceedings resume on the adjourned date.
The trial remains ongoing.
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