Music executive and elder brother to singers Peter and Paul Okoye, Jude Okoye, is in a celebratory mood as his wife, Ify, marks her 35th birthday.
Taking to his official photo and video sharing platform Instagram, the former Psquare manager penned a heartfelt message. Celebrating his wife, he wrote:
“Happy Birthday to my girlfriend, bestie and gist partner @ifyokoye1. May you continue to prosper and grow in God’s favor as you turn a year older today.”
The couple, who have been married since 2014 and share two children, have weathered various public storms together. This includes Jude’s brushes with the law over contract disputes and high-profile industry controversies.
Earlier this year, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Ltd., on a seven-count charge involving alleged money laundering and fraud running into ₦1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59.
According to prosecutors, between 2022 and earlier years, Jude allegedly used proceeds of unlawful activity to:
- Purchase an ₦850 million luxury property in Ikoyi, Lagos.
- Convert over $1 million through a bureau de change to conceal the source of the funds.
- Move large sums across multiple bank accounts to disguise the transactions.
The EFCC alleges these moves were part of an elaborate money laundering scheme, while Jude has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
When first arraigned before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Jude pleaded not guilty to all counts.
He was granted ₦100 million bail, with conditions that included:
- Two sureties in like sum, one of whom must own landed property in Lagos.
- A restriction from leaving Nigeria without court approval.