Temporary relief has come the way of a former manager of the defunct hip-hop artists music group P-square, Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited.
The defendant alongside his company are standing trial over fresh allegation of theft of $1,019,763.87 and £34,537.59.
However, Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court, Ikeja granted the first defendant bail in the sum of N50 million with two sureties in like sum.
According to the judge, the surety must be resident within jurisdiction and must present three years’ evidence of tax payment.
The court also ordered that the defendant submit his two international passports, and the immigration should be put on notice.
Justice Oshodi stated, “The defendant shall submit his two passports, Nigerian and St. Kitts and Nevis to the Registrar of this court and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC shall notify the immigration of withholding the passports pending the determination of this case.”
During the proceeding, defence counsel, Mr. Clement Onwuenwnor SAN moved the bail application on behalf of the first defendant. In the application dated February 27, 2025, he prayed the court to grant bail to the defendant, adding that he should be released to his younger brother, who he stated he’s willing to take him on bail.
The counsel argued on points of law adding that the matter before the court is a civil dispute, describing it as dispute of directors and a family feud.
In response, the prosecution counsel, Mohammed Bashir informed the court that the commission filed the application opposing the bail application on 6th March, 2025.
According to Bashir, The defendant has a dual citizenship identity that can take him away from facing trial.
He also mentioned that no evidence was supplied to buttress claim of ill- health by the first defendant.
The prosecution acknowledged diligence of the defendant during investigation by the commission.
In opposing the bail, EFCC prosecutor, “There are multiple charges and multiple counts against him and the fact are overwhelming, this can induce him to abscond, he argued.
Ruling on the arguments, the judge noted that the high point of the prosecution rebuttal is that the first defendant has dual citizenship and possesses two passports.
The court in his ruling said he has considered the affidavit submitted by the parties.
The judge thereafter adjourned till May, 16 and 23, 2025 as earlier scheduled.
