Singer Peter Okoye has told a Federal High Court in Lagos that he received more than $800,000 in royalties from France-based music rights organisation SACEM for songs recorded by the former music duo, P-Square.
Okoye made the disclosure while testifying virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye during the ongoing trial of his elder brother, Jude Okoye.
He was cross-examined by Clement Onwuewunor, SAN, counsel to Jude, who is facing a seven-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside his company, Northside Music Limited.
The EFCC accused Jude of alleged fraud involving N1.3 billion and $1 million. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During cross-examination, Peter was questioned over his earlier claim that Jude took more than three months to provide P-Square’s royalty records after he requested them in 2022.
Counsel told him that the request was made on October 16, 2022, and that Jude obtained and forwarded the records six days later, on October 22.
Peter disagreed, insisting that he had requested the documents earlier in the year. However, when asked to produce a text message, email or other evidence showing that the request was made before October 16, he admitted he could not.
“No. I don’t have any and I can’t recall,” Peter told the court.
He confirmed that he eventually received the royalty statement, which covered payments from 2016 to 2022, including royalties linked to Lex Records.
Peter said he sought the documents because some individuals were interested in acquiring the P-Square music catalogue.
He also confirmed that Jude sent him the account details in 2022 and that the EFCC was aware that the documents had been forwarded to him.
However, Peter rejected Jude’s claim to a share of the SACEM royalties, insisting that the earnings belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul.
When questioned about the SACEM agreement, which was signed by Jude rather than Peter or Paul, the singer said it was executed by “the team”, but maintained that Jude was not a member of P-Square.
Peter further confirmed that 10 P-Square songs generated the SACEM royalties.
He told the court that he had previously given Jude 25 per cent of his SACEM earnings, but denied that Jude subsequently demanded quarterly payments after the royalties were reconciled in 2022.
Asked about claims that he received approximately $800,000 from SACEM between 2016 and 2026, Peter admitted receiving the funds.
He, however, maintained that the money belonged to the artists and that Jude did not receive any portion of the payments.
Asked whether he informed Jude about the funds, Peter replied:
“No, the money was for the artists.”
On Jude’s role as P-Square’s manager, Peter said the brothers had no employment agreement, explaining that their business relationship operated through Northside Entertainment Limited.
Asked directly whether Jude was a member of P-Square, Peter responded:
“Jude is not part of P-Square.”
Peter also maintained that he and Paul wrote, composed and produced P-Square’s songs, while acknowledging that Jude directed some of the group’s music videos.
The court adjourned the case until December 8 and 9, 2026, for further hearing.
.jpeg)
