Showbiz
EFCC to Arraign Jude Okoye on Fresh Theft Allegations
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will on Tuesday arraign Mr Jude Okoye on a fresh charge of $1 million and £34,537.59 theft before the Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja.
The accused is the elder brother and former manager of Paul and Peter Okoye of the defunct music group, P-Square.
Justice Rahman Oshodi will hear the four counts charge filed before the court on January 27 by the EFCC Prosecutor, Mr Aso Larry Peters.
Mr Okoye’s arraignment before the court was initially slated for Monday (today) but could not go on because the defendant was absent in court as the Ikoyi Correctional Centre where he was remanded said it had not received any information for his arraignment.
In the charge, the EFCC accused Mr Okoye of dishonestly converting to his use the sum of $767,544.15, which was paid by Lex Records Limited as payment for music digital distribution/publishing royalties with intent to permanently deprive Mr Peter Okoye his special interest in the asset.
He was also accused to have sometimes between 2016 and 2023, dishonestly converted the sum of £34,537.59, paid by Lex Records Limited as payment for music digital distribution/ publishing royalties with intent to permanently deprive, Mr Peter Okoye his special interest in the asset.
The commission also alleged that Jude Okoye dishonestly converted the sum of $133,566.49, a sum paid by Kobalt Music digital distribution/publishing royalties with intent to permanently deprive his brother, Mr Peter Okoye, his special interest in the asset.
The anti-graft agency also said the defendant dishonestly converted the sum of $118,652.23, paid by Mtech Limited as payment for music digital distribution publishing royalties, with intent to permanently deprive his brother of his special interest.
According to the EFCC, the offences committed between 2016 and 2023, contravene sections 278 and 285 of the criminal laws of Lagos State 2011.
Meanwhile, another court, the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos on Monday granted a N100 million bail to the defendant, Mr Jude Okoye.
Justice Alexander Owoeye granted him bail with two sureties in the like sum.
The judge held that “one of the sureties must be the owner of a landed property, while the other surety must be a business owner with verifiable address.
“Both sureties shall show an affidavit of means”.
Justice Owoeye also ordered that the property title as well as the Bank Verification Number (BVN) shall be deposited before the court.
“The defendant shall not travel out of the country, pending the hearing and determination of the charges. The defendant shall continue to be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, pending the fulfillment of his bail conditions,” the judge held.
The case was adjourned till April 14, for the commencement of trial.
One of his brothers, Paul (second part of the former PSquare), who now goes by the stage name, Rude boy, was present in court to give support to the defendant.
Mr Okoye was arraigned on February 26, 2025, before the court, by the EFCC for an alleged crime 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 preferred against him by EFCC.
The Commission told the court that the defendant alongside his Northside Music Limited sometime in 2022, in Lagos, directly acquired a landed property known as No 5, Tony Eromosele Street Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos worth N850,000,000.(Eight hundred and fifty million naira) with money he knew or reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of unlawful activities.
The anti-graft agency also alleged that Okoye and his company, in 2022, used a Bureau De Change to convert $1,019,762.87, held in an Access Bank account operated by Northside Music Ltd, into naira and transferred the funds into various bank accounts to conceal the illicit origin of the money.
According to EFCC, the offences committed contravene Sections 18 (2)(a) of the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act and are punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act.
Mr Jude Okoye pleaded not guilty to all the counts.
Winner Achimugu, the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Best Graduating Student 2024, has embarked on a six-week scholarship at the prestigious New York Film Academy (NYFA). This achievement not only celebrates her exceptional talent and dedication but also reinforces MTF’s commitment to nurturing world-class African filmmakers ready to make their mark on the global stage.
Since its inception, MTF has been more than just a training ground; it’s a launchpad for African storytellers. Alumni from the academy have consistently demonstrated excellence, with films and projects winning awards, receiving grants, and gaining international recognition. Notable projects include 2070, which clinched Best Short Film at the African SDGs Film Festival, and Isekonu, a Zee World short film, officially selected for the Lagos Fringe Festival 2025 and nominated for Best Student Film at the Bayelsa International Film Festival.
These achievements reflect MTF’s ethos of equipping young filmmakers with both the technical skills and creative vision necessary to succeed, both locally and internationally.
The 2024 Best Graduating Student, Winner Achimugu, distinguished herself among her peers with a combination of talent, dedication, and storytelling finesse. Her selection for the NYFA scholarship is a testament to her hard work and to the quality of mentorship and training at MTF.
Through this program, she will engage in intensive workshops, hands-on training, and industry exposure that promise to elevate her craft. The scholarship is not just an award, it is a bridge connecting African storytelling to global cinematic opportunities, embodying MTF’s brand promise of fostering talent that transcends borders.
This scholarship opens new avenues for growth, offering exposure to international techniques, networks, and collaborative experiences that could define the trajectory of her career. For MTF, it’s a validation of its mission: cultivating a generation of filmmakers whose creativity, vision, and impact will resonate far beyond Africa.
As this journey unfolds, it reinforces the message that African cinema is on the rise, powered by storytellers who are ready to take their place on the world stage. With MTF alumni leading the way, the future of African filmmaking looks brighter than ever.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A 12-hour non-stop entertainment event offering various performances and activities all night long will take place in Lagos from the evening of December 21 into the early hours of December 22, 2025.
This programme known as InsomniaQ, is being put together by one of Africa’s leading digital payments platforms, Quickteller.
Quickteller is a brand powered by the Interswitch Group, and InsomniaQ was created to celebrate African creativity.
The all-night music and entertainment experience will hold at the Ballroom of the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.
It is designed to capture the vibrancy and cultural energy that define Lagos in December. InsomniaQ is positioned to become Africa’s newest must-attend December destination.
The concert blends diverse African soundscapes, creative expression, and immersive lifestyle experiences, offering a night curated for music lovers, diaspora returnees, cultural enthusiasts, and everyone drawn to the city’s festive season.
More than a concert, InsomniaQ represents a new cultural moment, one that celebrates the richness, depth, and diversity of African talent. With a lineup cutting across contemporary and alternative genres, the festival aims to introduce a bold, fresh, and unforgettable experience within Lagos’ already vibrant entertainment landscape.
“InsomniaQ is an invitation to celebrate African creativity in a way that feels bold, fresh, and true to who we are.
“Quickteller has always been an essential part of the experiences people value, and this festival brings that connection to life in an entirely new dimension.
“As Lagos welcomes friends, family, and visitors from around the world each December, we are proud to introduce a platform that showcases our music, our culture, and the vibrant energy that defines this season,” the Divisional Head of Growth Marketing for Quickteller Ecosystem at Interswitch, Mr Olawale Akanbi, noted.
Through Quickteller, Interswitch continues to champion initiatives that go beyond digital transactions to enrich the everyday life of millions of Nigerians.
InsomniaQ extends this mission by empowering cultural expression, unlocking creative opportunities, and supporting the continent’s growing entertainment ecosystem.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The quartet of Oyindamola Timothy (Fashion), Steve Adeyemo (Tech), Uche Kalu (Dance), and Emmanuel Elijah (Music) emerged the category winners of the Stanbic IBTC FUZE Talent Show 4.0.
They received N10 million each for their efforts, along with mentorship opportunities, industry exposure, and support to advance their creative journeys.
The four were chosen from the 12 finalists at an event aired on Sunday, December 14, 2025, on AIT (DStv Channel 253) at 7:00 pm, Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151) at 5:00 pm, and streamed live on the official Stanbic IBTC YouTube channel, connecting millions of viewers to the excitement and energy of the show.
The 2025 edition drew over 6,000 entries nationwide and continued to inspire a new wave of innovation among young Nigerians in fashion, technology, dance, and music. The participants fought for a share of the N90 million in prizes put up by the organisers.
This year, the FUZE Talent Show also introduced an exciting new twist: The Fan Favourite Feature, which allowed viewers across the country to vote for the contestant who most inspired them. This addition deepened audience participation and further strengthened FUZE’s mission to connect creativity with community support.
“FUZE 4.0 truly lived up to its promise as The Ultimate Show, a platform that celebrates courage, creativity, and innovation.
“Every contestant who graced that stage reminded us of the extraordinary potential of Nigerian youths.
“At Stanbic IBTC, we are proud to continue creating opportunities that help young people dream bigger, think bolder, and achieve more. It is all about home-grown talent for us as we power the made-in-Nigeria initiative,” the chief executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mr Chuma Nwokocha, said.
As excitement builds for FUZE Festival coming up on Saturday, December 20, 2025, attendees can anticipate experiencing this year’s edition theme The Ultimate Show in full, with circus-style attractions, from magicians and parade performers to flash mobs and art displays.
An expanded marketplace, freebies from participating partners and on-site Stanbic IBTC services will enhance convenience, while performances by Wande Coal, Pheelz, Chike, and Ms DSF will add a nostalgic, high-energy finish. Interested attendees can register to attend via the Stanbic IBTC Events App or visit www.events.stanbicibtc.com to secure their spot.
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