Showbiz
Jude Okoye: Lagos Court Sets May 16 to Commence Trial
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Special Offences Court in Ikeja on Thursday admitted the former manager of P-Square, Mr Jude Okoye, charged with stealing $1 million and £34,537, to N50 million bail and adjourned the case until May 16 for the commencement of trial.
The accused is the elder brother of Peter Okoye and Paul Okoye of the defunct P-Square group.
He is standing trial alongside his company, Northside Music Limited, on a four-count charge bordering on theft.
The charge was preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to which he pleaded not guilty.
Justice Rahman Oshodi, while delivering his ruling on the bail application moved by Mr Okoye lead counsel, Mr Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN), said, “I have considered the affidavit evidence and oral application submitted by the parties.
“The singular issue for determination is whether or not the court should exercise its discretion in favour of the first defendant by granting him bail.
“Section 115 (2) of the ACJL confers the discretion of this court to grant bail in cases not punishable by death.
“I am therefore satisfied that the issue for determination of bail should be resolved in the defendant’s favour.”
He, therefore, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N50 million with two sureties in like sum.
Justice Oshodi said the sureties should be gainfully employed and should show evidence of three years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
He ordered that the defendant should submit his dual citizenship documents to the chief registrar of the court.
The judge also ordered the EFCC to notify the immigration office to withhold the defendant’s international passport pending the determination of the case.
Earlier, the defence counsel, while moving the bail application dated February 27, had prayed the court to admit the defendant to bail on a liberal basis.
Mr Onwuenwunor argued that the defendant had been on administrative bail since the inception of the case with the EFCC and had not jumped bail.
According to him, the defendant owns 40 per cent of the family company, while the nominal complainant owns only 30 per cent.
He prayed that, for the purpose of family unity, the defendant should be released on bail on the most liberal terms.
EFCC counsel, Mr Mohammed Bashir, in his 13-paragraph counter affidavit dated March 6, argued that the defendant’s dual citizenship status made him a flight risk.
He informed the court that the defendant had been diligent in reporting himself while on administrative bail.
“To be honest, the defendant was diligent in reporting to the commission, but this is a different case.
“He is standing trial on multiple counts before your lordship, and he has dual citizenship, which makes him a flight risk.
“However, we leave everything to the discretion of the court,” he said.
In the charge marked Ref/99260/2025, EFCC had alleged that Jude dishonestly converted the sum of $767,544 to his use.
It alleged that the sum was paid to Lex Records Limited for music digital distribution/publishing royalties.
However, the EFCC alleged that the payment was made with the intent to permanently deprive the complainant, Peter Okoye, of his special interest in the business.
The anti-graft agency also alleged that, sometime between 2016 and 2023, the defendant dishonestly converted the sum of £34,537 paid by Lex Records Limited for music digital distribution/publishing royalties to his personal use.
The commission alleged that the ex-manager also dishonestly converted the sum of $133,566 paid by Kobalt Music for digital distribution/publishing royalties, with the intent to permanently deprive the complainant of his special interest in the property.
The anti-graft agency also alleged that the defendant dishonestly converted the sum of $118,652, paid by Mtech Limited for music digital distribution and publishing royalties, with the intent to permanently deprive the complainant of his special interest.
According to EFCC, the alleged offences contravene Sections 278 and 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.
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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