A Lagos court has ordered the remand of the former manager of the defunct music group, P-Square, over allegations of theft involving over $1 million and £34,000.
News About Nigeria reports that decision was made on Tuesday by Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja.
The accused was sent to the Ikoyi Correctional Centre while awaiting a hearing on his bail request.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought charges against the former manager and his company, Northside Music Limited.
They were accused of misappropriating funds generated from digital music distribution and publishing royalties between 2016 and 2023.
According to the prosecution, the defendant allegedly took over $1 million and £34,000 meant for music royalties without proper authorization.
The EFCC claimed that various sums were dishonestly converted for personal use, including over $767,000 from Lex Records, more than $133,000 from Kobalt Music, and nearly $119,000 from Mtech Limited.
These transactions, the agency stated, were intended to permanently deprive Peter Okoye, a member of the P-Square group, of his rightful share.
The charges, according to the EFCC, violate sections of the Lagos State Criminal Laws.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecution then requested a trial date, stating that out of 29 potential witnesses, 10 would testify in court.
Meanwhile, the defence lawyer informed the court that a bail application had been filed and served to the prosecution.
The lawyer also pointed out that the defendant had previously been granted bail on similar charges by another court.
The court scheduled the bail hearing for March 6, 2025, and ordered the defendant’s continued detention.
The trial is set to begin on May 16 and 23, 2025.
