Jude Okoye’s former lawyer says Peter’s online claims contradict court testimony

Former legal counsel to Jude Okoye, Inibehe Effiong, has accused Peter Okoye of P-Square of trying to influence public opinion over the family's ongoing legal dispute.

In a statement shared on his official X account, Effiong reacted to Peter Okoye's recent allegations against his elder brother, Jude Okoye, regarding the management of P-Square's business affairs and finances.

Effiong revealed that his law firm initially represented Jude Okoye in the case before another lawyer took over.

“Our firm started the legal defence of Jude Okoye. We filed applications for his bail in both the Federal High Court and the High Court of Lagos State. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria later took over the case and continued from where I stopped,” he said.

The lawyer stressed that Jude Okoye has not been found guilty of any offence and should be presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

“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,” Effiong stated.

He also defended the bail conditions granted to Jude, saying they should not be viewed as proof of guilt.

Effiong criticised Peter Okoye for continuing to discuss the case on social media while it 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.

The lawyer further alleged that Peter's online statements differ from what he has said under 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,” Effiong added.

He urged the singer to focus on presenting evidence in court instead of discussing the matter online.

“He should focus his energy on testifying in court to support the charges against Jude, instead of resorting to a media trial. The cases are in court; we should let the court decide the guilt or innocence of the defendant,” he said.

The legal dispute between the Okoye brothers remains before the courts as both sides continue to defend their positions publicly.