Entertainment

Peter of P-square testifies against brother in fraud case

Published

1 year ago

April 15, 2025

Jude, Mr P. and Rudeboy

Peter of P-square testifies against brother in fraud case

The trial of Jude Okoye, former Manager of Psquare group, over alleged money laundering to the tune of N1.38 billion, $1 million and £34,537.59, commenced, yesterday, before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, with his younger brother, Peter Okoye, testifying against him.

Jude alongside his company, Northside Music Limited, are being tried by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a seven-count charge of the offences.

Trial judge in the matter is Justice Alexander Owoeye.

His trial followed a petition written to the commission by his brother, Peter.

One of the charges reads: “That you, Jude Okoye and Northside Music Limited sometime in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this court, did directly acquire a landed property known as No 5, Tony Eromosele Street Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos worth N850million only, which money you knew or reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
Meanwhile, Jude had denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

At the resumed hearing of the matter, the first prosecution witness, Peter, who introduced himself as Peter Obumuneme Okoye, while being led in evidence by the prosecutor, Aso Larrys Peters, told the court, how his brother, Jude defrauded him.

In his evidence, he said: “He’s my elder brother and former manager to the group called P-square
“Sometimes in 2017, the group P-square disbanded, we were apart for nearly 5-years plus. In November 2021, the group came back.

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“We were part for 5-years 2017-2021. Psquare started in 1997-98. Before Jude became our manager, we had several managers who includes Chioma Ugochi. She managed us when we were in secondary – University studies. We also had late Bayo Odusami of Mbuntu music, he managed us for 5-years. After myself and twin brother managed ourselves for couple of months, before we decided that he (Jude) managed us and Northside Entertainment Ltd.

“So, we continued running our business and sometimes we started having issues on how he run the business. The issues were mainly on how he was the sole signatory to all our bank accounts in Ecobank, Zenith and FCMB.

“Whenever we had these issues for couples of months, I did not have access to money. Not until when Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, now Minister of Aviation, who was our lawyer came up that we have should have a sharing formula.
“There was a scenario that happened when we were building our houses in Ikoyi, whereby it was only defendant can signed out money. The finance of the house project was by Northwest Entertainment Ltd, but they just stopped financing my house for six months.

“The accounts were owned by the company, while the defendant was the only signatory to all the accounts. Within that six months, when we came back, I approached the defendant and my twin brother, Paul, and asked why they stopped financing my project. What I heard from them was as I left P-Square, I left the money’. With that comment, I approached our lawyer, Keyamo, who asked me that if I wanted to buy phone, I needed to ask the first defendant. All our money was in Northside Entertainment which he was the sole signatory.

“Sometimes in 2017, the group disbanded after 5 years, November 17, 2021, there was a reunion again, and this time, the defendant was no longer managing us. I discovered that there was a company similar to ours, Northside Music Limited, and by ending of 2022, I made discovery when some people wanted to acquire our albums, and these individuals demanded for our statement of account to know how much the albums generates monthly, because I don’t have access to ‘backend.’ Then I went to my twin brother, Paul, who replied ‘You know that I don’t know anything about it but Jude, I said let’s go him, he then said he would go and meet him then I left him.”

He said a few weeks later, he approached Paul again and asked ‘have you contacted Jude, he said Paul told him that he did not have the time, and thereafter, approached Jude again, who told him that his share of money was with some people in South Africa, and he replied that he was not asking for money but backend and the statement of accounts again, there’s no positive response.

Peter further told the court that based on the defendant’s response, he knew that something was going on, he then asked the accounts officers in both Eco Bank and Zenith Bank, adding that when he could not get a satisfactory response from the account officers.

Peter of P-square testifies against brother in fraud case

Entertainment

St. Janet, Nigeria’s ‘General Overseer of Sinners’ Chapel,’ Dies After Brief Illness

Published

5 hours ago

August 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Iyun Janet Ajilore popularly known as St Janet

St. Janet, Nigeria’s ‘General Overseer of Sinners’ Chapel,’ Dies After Brief Illness

Iyun Janet Ajilore, the celebrated Nigerian Juju and highlife musician popularly known as St. Janet, has died after a brief illness. The news of her passing has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with fans and colleagues mourning the loss of one of the most unique and fearless voices in indigenous Nigerian music.

The veteran entertainer reportedly passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2026. Publisher and socialite Otunba Femi Davies announced the news early on Sunday through his social media handles. According to Davies, St. Janet died after a brief illness. Her family has yet to release an official statement detailing the circumstances surrounding her death or announce funeral arrangements.

St. Janet, who was also fondly called “Mama Yabis,” carved a unique niche for herself in Nigeria’s indigenous music scene. She rose to prominence as one of the most prominent female voices in a genre largely dominated by male performers. Her style was a distinctive blend of Juju and highlife music with witty, socially unfiltered lyrics that often addressed societal issues, gossip, and everyday happenings. This earned her a reputation as a fearless and charismatic entertainer who pushed boundaries and sparked public debate about censorship and artistic expression.

Known for her electrifying live performances and engaging stage presence, St. Janet became a regular feature at weddings, birthdays, chieftaincy ceremonies, and other high-profile social gatherings across southwestern Nigeria. Her music, often performed in Yoruba and infused with rich cultural expressions, earned her a loyal following. Some of her notable and controversial albums included ‘Faaji Plus’ and ‘5G Plus,’ which pushed cultural boundaries and sparked public discussion.

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Interestingly, the controversy surrounding her ‘Faaji Plus’ album was never intended for public consumption. In a previous interview, St. Janet explained that the music was a live performance at a private party for select guests that was later pirated and released to the public. She stated, “The CD that you see out there is not really an album. It was a live performance at a party for selected people. The music is meant for adults. It was not meant for everybody.”

Despite the controversy, St. Janet remained unapologetic about her artistic style. “I know that people are criticising me because I am a woman. If I were a man, nobody would complain that I am singing obscene songs,” she once said. She insisted that her music reflected societal realities and that she gave her audiences what they wanted. At the same time, she maintained that her on-stage persona was different from her off-stage character, describing herself as naturally shy and reserved.

The late musician’s background was deeply rooted in Christianity. She was a chorister in a white garment church before transitioning into professional music. This religious foundation often influenced her performances, as she would start her shows with gospel songs before moving into more provocative material, a strategy that one scholar described as an “insidious approach” to erotic performances.

Her career spanned decades, beginning as a backup singer for her master, Lord Kenge, before launching her solo career. She once explained that her stage name “Saint” came from her master, who called her a “saint” because of her quiet, reserved nature off-stage.

St. Janet’s passing has generated an outpouring of grief from fans, colleagues, and lovers of indigenous Nigerian music, many of whom have taken to social media to pay tribute to the late performer. She is remembered as an entertainer with unmatched stage charisma and an enduring legacy that contributed significantly to preserving and promoting Juju and highlife music in Nigeria.

As of the time of filing this report, members of her family have yet to issue a detailed statement on the circumstances surrounding her death or announce burial arrangements. The passing of St. Janet marks the end of an era for many followers of indigenous Nigerian music, but her extensive body of work and contributions to the preservation and promotion of Yoruba musical heritage are expected to endure for generations.

St. Janet, Nigeria’s ‘General Overseer of Sinners’ Chapel,’ Dies After Brief Illness

Entertainment

Tyla drops Lagos from A*POP World Tour amid boycott calls, concert threats

Published

2 days ago

July 31, 2026

Trends Admin

Tyla drops Lagos from A*POP World Tour amid boycott calls, concert threats

South African singer Tyla Laura Seethal has removed Lagos from the schedule of her A*POP World Tour, days after her planned concert in Nigeria sparked boycott calls and heated online debate linked to renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

The Lagos concert, initially scheduled for December 22, 2026, was no longer listed on the updated itinerary displayed on Tyla’s official tour platform as of Friday.

The revised schedule retains previously announced performances across Europe, North America and South Africa but no longer includes Nigeria.

Tyla had earlier announced Lagos as the only Nigerian stop on the tour, which is being held in support of her A*POP album. The Nigerian show was expected to take place before the tour’s final performances in Cape Town on January 4, 2027, and Johannesburg on January 9, 2027.

However, Tyla, her management team and the concert promoters had not issued an official statement explaining why the Lagos date was removed.

As a result, it remains unclear whether the concert has been permanently cancelled, postponed or temporarily taken off the public schedule.

The planned Lagos performance generated mixed reactions after it was announced, with some Nigerians calling for a boycott over reports of renewed xenophobic attacks and concerns about the safety and treatment of Nigerians living in South Africa.

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Supporters of the boycott argued that South African entertainers should face public pressure until stronger action is taken to address attacks and discrimination against other African nationals.

Others disagreed, maintaining that Tyla should not be held personally responsible for the actions of individuals involved in xenophobic violence or for broader social and political challenges in South Africa.

The controversy intensified after social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, said he would mobilise members of his “Ratel Movement” to prevent the concert from taking place.

In a social media post, VeryDarkMan said the planned action was intended to show solidarity with Africans affected by xenophobic violence. He also criticised South African celebrities and public figures whom he accused of not speaking strongly enough against attacks on foreign nationals.

His comments generated further debate, with some social media users supporting the boycott campaign while others raised concerns about calls to disrupt a music event.

Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore opposed the boycott effort, arguing that Tyla should not be held responsible for xenophobic violence.

Sowore said Nigerians should focus their anger and demands for accountability on those responsible for attacks and the institutions expected to protect foreign nationals.

He maintained that artists should not be treated as personally accountable for the actions of other people simply because they share the same nationality.

The dispute comes amid renewed public concern over reports involving Nigerians living in South Africa, including the reported death of Nigerian national Chika Ibe in Cape Town.

The reports have renewed calls for stronger action to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals, investigate alleged attacks and promote accountability.

The removal of the Lagos date from Tyla’s tour schedule has added uncertainty to the status of the planned concert.

While the date is no longer visible on the singer’s official itinerary, there has been no formal announcement confirming that the show has been cancelled or postponed.

Fans and prospective attendees may therefore have to wait for clarification from Tyla’s team or the Nigerian concert promoters.

The development has also renewed discussions about the role of entertainers in public debates and whether cultural events should be used to express opposition to xenophobia.

Some supporters of the boycott view it as a peaceful expression of solidarity with people affected by xenophobic violence. Others believe artists should be judged by their personal actions and should not be held responsible for social or political issues beyond their control.

For now, Lagos is absent from the publicly available A*POP World Tour itinerary, while the South African dates remain listed.

Tyla drops Lagos from A*POP World Tour amid boycott calls, concert threats

Entertainment

Abia Gov Steps In With Medical Support for Ailing Nollywood Veteran Ngozi Nwosu

Published

4 days ago

July 29, 2026

Trends Admin

Abia Gov Steps In With Medical Support for Ailing Nollywood Veteran Ngozi Nwosu

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has authorized immediate medical intervention for veteran Nollywood actress Ngozi Nwosu, answering her desperate public plea for financial assistance amid a critical health crisis. The 62-year-old screen icon, battling an undisclosed illness, urgently requires three life-saving surgeries estimated at ₦30 million, and the governor’s timely response has provided a crucial lifeline as she prepares for the first of these complex procedures.

The approval, covering the initial phase of her hospital bills, was announced on Tuesday by the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Tourism and Entertainment, Dr. Justice Okechukwu Martins, who is widely known as JMartins. In a heartfelt post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Martins confirmed the governor’s swift action while emphasizing that the journey to full recovery is far from over. “His Excellency @alexottiofr have just stepped in on the health issues of our Nollywood legendary actress Mrs Ngozi Nwosu to approve the first part of our medical bills,” Martins wrote. “While we sincerely appreciate His Excellency, we still appeal to kind-hearted Nigerians to please support her in any way possible you can. On behalf of the creative industry, we all Thank you immensely My leader.”

Veteran Nollywood actress Ngozi Nwosu

The intervention comes less than a week after Nwosu made an emotional appeal from her hospital bed, revealing that she had been hospitalized for three weeks and urgently needed three life-saving surgical procedures costing approximately ₦30 million. In a tearful video that went viral across social media platforms, the veteran actress pleaded, “My people, my fans and my family, I know that you’ve not seen me in circulation for some time. I’ve been hospitalized now for three weeks. Please, the thing has gone beyond my control. I need your help, don’t let me die.” Her management team later confirmed that following an encouraging outpouring of public support, she was being prepared for her first surgery, though they noted that the total financial requirement remains substantial and additional contributions are still urgently needed.

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This is not the first time Ngozi Nwosu has faced a life-threatening medical condition. In 2012, she battled severe kidney and heart-related complications, a crisis that required her to travel to the United Kingdom for advanced treatment. On that occasion, the Lagos State Government and several well-meaning Nigerians rallied to her aid, covering her medical expenses and enabling her recovery. Friends and close associates have expressed concern that the current ailment appears more aggressive, with the actress reportedly requiring a longer hospitalization period and more complex surgical interventions than she faced during her previous health battle over a decade ago.

The governor’s timely intervention reaffirms his administration’s broader commitment to supporting notable Abia indigenes, particularly those who have made indelible contributions to Nigeria’s creative and entertainment industry. Governor Otti has previously pledged to position Abia State as a major hub for film production, entertainment, tourism, and cultural promotion, and as part of this vision, his administration is actively pursuing plans to establish an Entertainment City in Aba designed to provide world-class infrastructure for filmmakers, musicians, and other creative professionals. This is not an isolated act of kindness; the governor had earlier approved ₦20 million each for legendary highlife icon Daddy Fresh and veteran actor Sunny McDon, demonstrating a consistent pattern of humanitarian intervention for aging entertainers in distress across the state.

While Governor Otti’s support covers the first phase of Nwosu’s treatment, JMartins and her management team have reiterated that additional financial assistance will still be required to ensure she receives comprehensive care. Fans, colleagues, and well-wishers who wish to contribute to Ngozi Nwosu’s medical fund are encouraged to reach out through verified channels managed by her family and official representatives, with donations also able to be made via the account details that have been circulated on her official social media pages. The entertainment community continues to rally around her, hoping for a successful procedure and a swift return to good health.

Ngozi Nwosu is widely regarded as one of Nollywood’s most respected veterans, with a career spanning over three decades. She rose to national prominence through her unforgettable performances in television and film, including her iconic role in the beloved sitcom Fuji House of Commotion, which cemented her status as a household name across Nigeria. Her contributions to the Nigerian movie industry have earned her a permanent place in the hearts of audiences across the country, and this collective outpouring of support reflects the deep affection Nigerians hold for her as she faces this latest health challenge.