Okoye Brothers' Feud: Peter Confirms Lawsuit, Ex-Lawyer Slams Claims
A renewed legal battle has erupted between Peter and Jude Okoye, with Peter alleging that Jude is attempting to prevent him from performing Psquare songs. Jude's former counsel, Inibehe Effiong, has countered these claims, accusing Peter of conducting a social media trial and contradicting his own court testimony. The dispute highlights ongoing disagreements over Psquare's ownership and business affairs, remaining active in the courts.
Singer Peter Okoye has publicly alleged that his elder brother and former manager, Jude Okoye, has initiated a new legal battle aimed at preventing him from performing songs released under the Psquare brand. This allegation was made in a video shared on Peter’s official social media page, where he responded to earlier claims made by Jude regarding Psquare’s ownership and ongoing business disputes. Peter clarified that this fresh lawsuit is distinct from an existing case involving Northside Music and government authorities, in which he is only involved as a witness.
According to Peter, a recent court hearing focused on Jude’s attempt to stop him from performing Psquare songs. He claimed that during these proceedings, Jude, reportedly with the support of their twin brother Paul Okoye, actively sought an order to block his performance of the group’s music. Peter also contested Jude’s assertion that he brought Psquare to Lagos in 2005, arguing that the group had already established its career years prior, releasing their first album in 2003 and signing their initial management contract long before that period. He further alleged that Jude was still in school during the earlier stages of Psquare’s career, challenging the narrative presented in court.
Peter insisted that it was he who facilitated Jude's move to Lagos, recalling selling his car to pay for their first house and retaining the receipts as proof. He accused Jude and Paul of having 'ran away' when the group faced financial difficulties, while he remained. These comments arise amidst a prolonged dispute among the Okoye brothers concerning the ownership, management, royalties, and broader business interests of the Psquare brand. The latest allegations have sparked considerable online discussion, though Jude Okoye has not yet publicly addressed Peter’s claims regarding the alleged court action to halt his Psquare song performances.
In response to Peter’s public statements, Inibehe Effiong, former legal counsel to Jude Okoye, has accused Peter of attempting to manipulate public opinion regarding the family’s ongoing legal conflict. Effiong made these remarks on his official X account, directly addressing Peter Okoye’s recent online allegations concerning the management and finances of Psquare’s business affairs. The lawyer, whose firm initially handled Jude Okoye’s legal defense, pointed out that Peter’s public comments contradict statements he has made under cross-examination in court.
Effiong detailed his firm’s initial role in Jude Okoye’s legal defense, including filing bail applications, before a Senior Advocate of Nigeria took over the case. He underscored that Jude Okoye has not been convicted of any criminal offense and is therefore entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence. Effiong also defended the bail conditions granted to Jude, including the deposit of travel documents, clarifying that such conditions should not be misconstrued as evidence of guilt. He criticized Peter's continued use of social media to air allegations while court proceedings are active, describing it as inappropriate.
The lawyer emphasized that Peter's online claims diverge from his verifiable admissions made during court testimony, stating that Peter