Top Nigerian pop music duo, P-Square, are reportedly mourning the loss of their mother, Josephine Okoye who passed away after suffering a long illness.

Josephine Okoye

According to a statement from the group’s publicist, Josephine Okoye, who had battled with prolonged illness, passed away in an Indian hospital in Kolkata, last night July 11, 2012 at 11PM.

She was said to have died some five hours after a heart surgery.

Mrs. Okoye, a Christian minister, was a huge fan and supporter of her entertaining sons. She has been spotted at a few of their concerts, including the P-square Invasion concert in August 2011.

Peter Okoye, who spoke to the NET at his Lekki residence described his mother as a “prayer warrior” who stood by them spiritually.

“Besides, she was the only one that believed in us when we decided to make a career out of music,” he said.

“I can remember that she used to sneak us out at night then to attend shows without the consent of our father who insisted that we must quit music to face our education.”

She is survived by her Jos based husband, children: Ifeanyi, Henry, Jude, Lilian, Tony, Peter, Paul and Mary.

She also had grand-children, including Cameron, Peter’s son.