Popular Nigerian musician Peter Okoye on Friday admitted in a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja that he is a co‑signatory to the Northside Entertainment Limited bank account, a point raised during the resumed trial of his elder brother, Jude Okoye, on charges linked to an alleged $1 million theft.
Jude Okoye is on trial before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations concerning the alleged conversion of company funds, with the case ongoing at the Lagos High Court.
At earlier stages of the proceedings, Peter had testified in ways that did not acknowledge his status as a signatory to company accounts.
The matter returned to court on Friday as part of continued evidence in the trial.
During cross‑examination by defence lawyers, Peter told the court he was a co‑signatory to the Northside Entertainment Ltd bank account held with Ecobank, acknowledging a status earlier contested in his testimony.
Peter had previously maintained that only his brother, Jude Okoye, was the sole signatory to the account. However, defence counsel presented bank mandates showing Peter and his twin brother, Paul Okoye, were also listed as signatories, which contradicted his earlier claim.
Asked about information from bank officials, Peter said he based earlier testimony on a phone conversation with staff of another bank he described as the “new bank.”
When questioned about the Ecobank account for Northside Entertainment Limited, he stated, “My Lord, Northside Entertainment Limited account in Ecobank — I am a co‑signatory.”
Peter also said that although he later became a signatory, his elder brother initially operated the account.
He told the court that “from the very onset, Jude was only the signatory,” and that after some years, he and Paul were made signatories, although he said he had never personally signed cheques or carried out transactions.
The singer also confirmed details about other business aspects, including company registrations and roles, while clarifying evidence related to music royalties and catalogues during earlier testimony.
Peter’s admission provides clarity on his formal relationship with Northside Entertainment Ltd’s bank account structure as established by bank records presented in court.
The clarification relates directly to the factual record in the ongoing trial involving his brother and the alleged financial misconduct.
For legal observers, the testimony highlights how company financial arrangements and signatory status are central in the defence and prosecution of alleged financial offences.
Details acknowledged in court proceedings form part of the evidence before the judge, without suggesting guilt or innocence.
