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 group, P-Square.
Peter made the disclosure while testifying virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye. He was cross-examined by Clement Onwueunor, SAN, counsel to his brother, Jude Okoye.
SACEM is responsible for collecting and distributing royalties to songwriters, composers and music publishers.
Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are facing a seven-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged fraud involving N1.3 billion and $1 million. Jude has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, Peter was questioned about his earlier testimony that Jude took more than three months to provide him with P-Square’s royalty records after he requested them in 2022.
His lawyer put it to 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, maintaining 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 said he could not.
“No. I don’t have any and I can’t recall,” he told the court.
Peter confirmed that he eventually received the royalty statement from Jude, saying the document covered payments from 2016 to 2022, including royalties associated with Lex Records.
He explained that he requested the records because some individuals had expressed interest in acquiring the P-Square music catalogue.
Peter 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, he disputed Jude’s claim to a share of the SACEM royalties, insisting that the money belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye.
When questioned about the SACEM agreement, which was signed by Jude rather than Peter or Paul, the singer said it was signed by “the team”. He, however, maintained that Jude was not a member of the team.
Peter confirmed that the 10 songs that generated the SACEM royalties were P-Square songs.
He further 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.
When 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 artistes 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 did not have an employment agreement with Jude. He explained that their business arrangement was conducted through Northside Entertainment Limited.
When asked whether Jude was a member of P-Square, Peter replied: “Jude is not part of P-Square.”
He 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 matter until December 8 and 9, 2026, for further hearing.
