The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Jude Okoye, the elder brother of Peter and Paul Okoye, Psquare music duo over alleged money laundering of N1.3 billion.

Jude Okoye, alongside his company Northside Music Ltd, appeared before the Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday. He is facing seven charges linked to unlawful money transactions.

According to the EFCC, Jude Okoye used the money to buy a house worth N850 million at Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos in 2022.

The commission also accused him of converting over $1 million through a bureau de change to hide the source of the money.

He pleaded not guilty to all charges. His lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, asked the court to allow him stay in EFCC custody while waiting for his bail hearing.

However, the EFCC lawyer, Larry Peters Aso, opposed the request, saying their facility was already crowded.

The judge, Alexander Owoeye, ruled that Okoye should be kept at the Ikoyi correctional facility and the case was adjourned to February 28 for the bail hearing, while the trial is set to begin on April 14.