Entertainment
Alleged $1m, £34,537 Fraud: Your Claims Are Lies, Defence Counsel Tells Peter Okoye In Court
Clement Onwuenwunor, SAN the Defence Counsel in the alleged $1m, £34,537 fraud case involving Peter Okoye of P-Square and their ex-manager, Jude Okoye has tendered evidences to the court suggesting that all the claims made to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by Peter are half-truths. He made this assertion before Justice Rahman Oshodi of the State High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos on Friday, 23 May, 2025.
During cross-examination, the Defence Counsel showed the court that there were many discrepancies in Peter’s claims. In his statement to the EFCC, Peter claimed to be a graduate of the University of Abuja, whereas he was a dropout. Peter then claimed to have stated that he ‘attended’ the university not ‘graduated’. The defence counsel then showed him the evidence from the EFCC report. Peter then admitted he was a dropout.
The Defence Counsel also provided evidence to the court that Jude is not the sole signatory to Northside Entertainment Limited accounts. Indeed, Peter and Paul are category B signatories which contradicts his earlier testimony that he never had access to the accounts.
Clement Onwuenwunor, SAN, also provided bank statements showing multiple cash withdrawals made by Peter, both in dollars and naira from Northside Entertainment Limited accounts, including transfers made to him by Jude.
The account statements showed contractual disbursements to Peter and Paul whenever monies were being received, including royalties, performance fees and endorsements, suggesting that Peter lied about not receiving anything from his elder brother Jude.
Peter also claimed Jude was the sole signatory to their accounts, meanwhile in the bank mandate the three of them signed, Jude was category A signatory, while Peter and Paul are category B signatories.
Earlier, Peter told the court that he was not aware of the royalties paid by Mad Solution, but the Defence Counsel proved that indeed, the three of them contracted the company and gave them P-Square catalogues. Under that contract, the three of them have equal rights to royalties. He further provided evidence that Peter received his part of the payments.
The defence showed that Peter lied when he earlier testified to have received $25,000 and $20,000 as his first and second payment respectively from Mad Solutions suggesting that the defendant jude has been receiving so much when the group was apart. Clement Onwuenwunor, SAN presented evidence from Mad Solution documents showing that they individually received $4,330.47 and $5,837.35 as first and second payment respectively and not as Peter claimed.
Justice Oshodi admitted some documents as exhibits, including statements of accounts.
Meanwhile, the court asked the defendant’s counsel to furnish the prosecution with copies of documents he tendered before the court.
The judge said, ”If you intend to use a document, make it available to them to make the trial faster.
Justice Oshodi adjourned further proceedings till October 10 and 17, 2025 for the continuation of trial.
Education
NFVCB Boss Urges Stronger Distribution Channels As Coal City Film Festival 2026 Opens In Enugu
The Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr Shaibu Husseini, has called for stronger distribution frameworks within Nigeria’s film industry to ensure that locally produced content achieves global visibility.
Dr Husseini made this call while delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 2026 edition of the Coal City Film Festival, held in Enugu.
Welcoming participants to the festival, Dr Husseini expressed his personal delight at hosting the event in Enugu, his birth state, noting the city’s rich cultural heritage and longstanding contributions to Nigeria’s creative landscape.
He commended the festival organisers, particularly the Festival Director, Uche Agbo, for their resilience and commitment in sustaining the initiative.
According to him, the Coal City Film Festival has grown into a significant cultural platform and a must-attend cinematic event in South East Nigeria.
Speaking on the festival’s theme, “Local Stories, Global Screens,” Dr Husseini emphasised the importance of authenticity in storytelling. He noted that films rooted in local realities, languages, and cultural truths often resonate more strongly with global audiences.
He cited notable Nigerian productions such as “King of Boys” by Kemi Adetiba, “The Wedding Party” by Mo Abudu, “Anikulapo” by Kunle Afolayan, “Black Book” by Editi Effiong, and “Lionheart” by Genevieve Nnaji as examples of culturally grounded stories that have gained international recognition on platforms such as Netflix and at global film festivals.
While acknowledging the growth in film production across Nigeria, the NFVCB boss identified distribution as a major bottleneck in the industry. He observed that many high-quality films struggle to reach audiences both locally and internationally due to limited distribution channels.
Dr. Husseini therefore urged film festivals across the country to evolve beyond networking platforms into active marketplaces where filmmakers can secure distribution deals. He stressed that festivals must attract distributors, exhibitors, streaming platforms, and marketers to create tangible opportunities for filmmakers.
“Film festivals must become gateways to distribution where filmmakers leave not just with applause, but with real opportunities,” he said.
Reaffirming the Board’s commitment to industry development, Dr. Husseini stated that the NFVCB has continued to reposition itself as a partner in progress by engaging stakeholders, improving classification processes, and promoting a balance between creative freedom and social responsibility.
However, he raised concerns over increasing non-compliance with regulatory requirements, noting that some filmmakers bypass the Board by releasing unclassified films or operating without proper licensing.
He reiterated that all films and video works must be submitted to the NFVCB for classification and registration before being released on any platform, including digital platforms such as YouTube.
“This is a legal obligation, and the Board will not hesitate to take decisive action against defaulters,” he warned, adding that regulation is essential for protecting the industry, audiences, and national values.
Looking ahead, Dr. Husseini assured stakeholders of the Board’s continued collaboration with filmmakers and festival organisers to build a structured, sustainable, and globally competitive Nigerian film industry.
He concluded by commending the organisers of the Coal City Film Festival for their vision and contribution to Nigeria’s cultural economy, urging filmmakers to continue telling authentic stories that can resonate across global screens.
-Leadership
Veteran rapper Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, popularly known as Ruggedman, has criticised the use of “Afrobeats” as a catchall term for all African music, calling it misleading.
In a recent interview with Day Genius, the rapper argued that the term is often used to group artistes who lack real talent and rely only on catchy beats.
The rapper also claimed that many artists in this category struggle with live performances and freestyling because they depend too much on autotune and studio effects.
Nollywood actress and comedian, Kudirat Abeniade Soremi, popularly known as Mama No Network, has bought a new car.
She posted on her Instagram page and shared pictures of her new car, congratulating herself.
“Congratulations to me. Your car is next in line for Jesus.
May the celebration never cease in our home. May God surround me and you with people who genuinely love and celebrate God’s gift in your life,” she posted.
Her colleagues and fans congratulated her on this feat. Rejoicing with her, Bimpe Akintunde wrote, “Congratulations, Iye mi
The actress is known for playing a deaf woman and mother in the Yoruba movie industry.
Last year, she was conferred with a chieftaincy title in Texas Ijebuland, which is (Yeye Owu Ojuwo of Ijebuland)
-Leadership
NFVCB Boss Urges Stronger Distribution Channels As Coal City Film Festival 2026 Opens In Enugu
Wike Reaffirms Nigeria–EU Ties, Moves To Reclaim Encroached Diplomatic Lands
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