By Francesca Hangeior

Singer Peter Okoye, one half of the now-defunct music duo P-Square, has openly criticised his family after testifying against his elder brother, Jude Okoye, who is currently facing money laundering charges.

Jude and Northside Music Limited are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of laundering N1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59.

In a post shared via his Instagram story on Tuesday, Peter said he prioritises his mental health above all else, questioning the real meaning of family. 

He insisted that true family bonds should be rooted in love, loyalty, and trust—not manipulation, betrayal, or theft.

Peter described toxic family dynamics as exhausting and disgraceful, declaring that he would no longer sacrifice his peace of mind for anyone.

He wrote: “Don’t let ‘family’ be the reason you’re drowning in silence. I did – for over 20 years plus. And it almost cost me everything,” the 43-year-old wrote.

“But now I know better – love doesn’t manipulate, loyalty doesn’t betray and family does not steal from you. Family that steals and breaks you isn’t family at all.

“Real family doesn’t drain you, shame you, discriminate against you or ignore your pain. My sanity matters. My mental health is a priority. If it costs my mental health, then it’s too expensive”.

By Francesca Hangeior
 
A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has struck out the preliminary objection in the defamation suit filed by human rights lawyer Femi Falana, (SAN), and his son, popular musician Folarin Falana, also known as Falz, against social media personality Vincent Otse, popularly called VeryDarkMan.

Justice Mathias Dawoodu struck out the suit following his discovery that the substantive suit was already before another court, rendering further proceedings before him unnecessary.

Neither the Falanas nor Otse was present at the hearing. However, counsel to the defendant, N.O. Alagbe, appearing on behalf of lead counsel Marvin Omorogbe, informed the court that an application dated April 11, 2025, and filed on April 14, 2025, had been brought to stay proceedings, pending judgment by Justice Azeez in a parallel matter.

Justice Dawoodu responded that the said application was not before his court and questioned why he was being troubled with the matter when the substantive suit was already before another court.

Counsel to the Falanas, Omotayo Olatunbosun, told the court that although he received the application at 4:15 pm late on Monday afternoon, the preliminary objection was properly scheduled and ready for hearing.

He accused the defence of attempting to stall the case and cited a Supreme Court decision which held that courts are not bound to act on applications not yet in their files.

He therefore urged the judge to proceed with the business of the day.

After listening to the submissions of counsel, Justice Dawoodu ruled that after considering the matter at hand, the new application filed by defence but not in his file does not warrant going ahead with the suit.

“Consequently, this suit is hereby struck out,” the judge held.

The Falanas had filed the N1bn defamation suit against Otse, demanding N500m each in damages over a video posted on his social media platforms.

In the video, Otse allegedly claimed that Femi Falana demanded N10m, from controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, to pervert the course of justice.

By Francesca Hangeior

Controversial singer, Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has been granted bail in the sum of ₦1 million by an Upper Area Court in Ilorin, Kwara State.

This followed his arraignment on charges including criminal defamation, intimidation, inciting public disturbance, and cyberstalking.

The court also ruled that his bail is conditional upon the provision of two sureties in like sum.

One of which must be either the Chairman or Secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, while the other must possess a landed property within a Government Reserved Area, backed by a valid Certificate of Occupancy.

More details to follow.