Singer Peter Okoye has told a Federal High Court in Lagos that he received more than $800,000 in royalties from French music rights organisation SACEM for songs recorded by the former music duo P-Square.
Peter, one half of the defunct group, made the disclosure while testifying virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye during the ongoing case involving his elder brother, Jude Okoye.
He was cross-examined by Clement Onwuewunor, SAN, who is representing Jude in the proceedings.
According to reports from the court hearing, Peter acknowledged receiving approximately $800,000 from SACEM but maintained that the money belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye, as the artists behind P-Square’s music.
Peter Okoye questioned over P-Square royalties
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During the cross-examination, he was questioned about royalty records relating to P-Square’s music.
The singer confirmed that he eventually received a royalty report from Jude covering payments from 2016 to 2022, including records connected to Lex Records.
Peter said he had requested the information because some people were interested in purchasing the P-Square music catalogue.
He was also questioned about his previous claim that Jude took more than three months to provide the royalty records.
Jude’s lawyer told the court that Peter’s request had been made on October 16, 2022, and that the records were obtained and forwarded to him six days later, on October 22.
Peter disagreed, maintaining that he had made the request earlier in the year.
However, when asked to provide a text message, email or other evidence showing that he had made an earlier request, Peter admitted that he could not produce such evidence.
“The money was for the artists”
The cross-examination later focused on payments from SACEM, the French organisation responsible for collecting and distributing royalties to songwriters, composers and music publishers.
Peter acknowledged receiving approximately $800,000 from the organisation.
However, he disputed Jude’s entitlement to the money.
According to reports of his testimony, Peter maintained that the royalties belonged to him and Paul as the artists responsible for P-Square’s music.
When asked whether he informed Jude about the payments, Peter reportedly replied that he did not because “the money was for the artists.”
Peter also acknowledged that he had previously paid Jude 25 per cent of his SACEM share but disputed the claim that Jude remained entitled to quarterly payments after the royalties were reconciled in 2022.
Peter says Jude was not part of P-Square
Another key part of the cross-examination centred on Jude’s role in P-Square.
Peter maintained that Jude was not a member of the music group, despite his involvement in managing aspects of the brothers’ business and music career.
When asked directly whether Jude was part of P-Square, Peter replied that he was not.
Peter maintained that he and Paul wrote, composed and produced the group’s songs.
He nevertheless acknowledged that Jude directed some of P-Square’s music videos.
He also told the court that he did not have an employment contract with Jude, explaining that their business relationship operated through Northside Entertainment Limited.
Jude Okoye faces EFCC charges
The testimony forms part of an ongoing criminal case against Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, filed a seven-count charge against the defendants involving allegations of fraud concerning about N1.3 billion and $1 million.
Jude has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The allegations against him have not been established as fact, and the ongoing proceedings will determine the issues before the court.
Peter’s testimony concerning the SACEM royalties is part of the broader dispute over P-Square’s finances and management. His acknowledgment of receiving the money does not, by itself, establish that the payments were connected to the criminal allegations against Jude.
Court hearing adjourned
The court has adjourned further proceedings in the case until December 8 and 9, 2026.
The next stages of the proceedings are expected to provide further testimony and evidence concerning the allegations against Jude and the financial dealings involving P-Square-related businesses and royalties.
The latest testimony has nevertheless brought renewed attention to the financial disagreements surrounding the former music duo.
His evidence that he received more than $800,000 from SACEM, coupled with his position that the royalties belonged to him and Paul, is likely to remain an important part of the continuing dispute between the brothers.
TheCable – Peter Okoye admits receiving $800k P-Square royalties
