Former legal counsel to Jude Okoye, Inibehe Effiong, has accused singer Peter Okoye of attempting to influence public opinion amid the ongoing legal dispute involving the former Psquare manager.
Effiong made the allegation in a statement shared on his official X account while reacting to Peter Okoye’s recent social media posts concerning Jude’s role in the management of Psquare’s business affairs and finances.
According to the lawyer, his law firm initially represented Jude Okoye after legal proceedings were instituted against him before another Senior Advocate of Nigeria later assumed responsibility for the case.
“Our firm started the legal defence of Jude Okoye. We filed applications for his bail both at the Federal High Court and at the High Court of Lagos State. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria later took over the case and continued from where I stopped,” Effiong said.
The Inibehe Effiong reacts to Peter Okoye controversy also saw the lawyer insist that Jude has not been convicted of any criminal offence and therefore remains entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence.
“Jude hasn’t been convicted of any crime by any court of law. We should afford him his constitutional right to the presumption of innocence,” he added.
Effiong also defended the bail conditions granted to Jude, explaining that requirements such as surrendering travel documents should not be interpreted as proof of guilt.
The lawyer criticised Peter for continuing to make allegations on social media while the matter remains before the courts.
“It is baffling that Peter, who is the nominal complainant in the two cases, has resorted to social media trial while the cases are pending before courts of competent jurisdiction,” he said.
Effiong further alleged that Peter’s public statements differ from the testimony he has given during cross-examination in court.
“What Peter is saying online differs from the verifiable admissions he has been making under cross-examination in court. He knows exactly what he is doing,” the lawyer claimed.
He urged the singer to concentrate on presenting his evidence before the court instead of discussing the matter on social media.
“He should focus his energy on testifying in court to support the charges against Jude, instead of resorting to media trial. The cases are in court; we should let the court decide the guilt or innocence of the defendant,” he said.
The Inibehe Effiong reacts to Peter Okoye development is the latest twist in the long-running legal and public dispute between the Okoye brothers over the management, finances, and ownership of the Psquare brand.
BACKSTORY:
The dispute between Peter Okoye (Mr P), Paul Okoye (Rudeboy), and their elder brother, Jude Okoye, has grown into a prolonged legal and public battle over the management and ownership of the Psquare brand.
Jude, who managed Psquare during the group’s peak years, has faced allegations from Peter regarding the handling of royalties, company finances, and ownership of music-related assets. Peter has recently released a series of videos and social media posts detailing his claims, while legal proceedings involving Jude and Northside Music continue in court.
Inibehe Effiong was among the lawyers who initially represented Jude Okoye after the legal case began before another legal team took over his defence. His latest statement comes in response to Peter’s continued public commentary on the dispute.
The controversy has generated widespread debate among fans, with both sides maintaining their positions while the courts continue to hear the case.
