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 gave the evidence virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye during cross-examination by Clement Onwuewunor, SAN, counsel to his brother, Jude Okoye.
SACEM is responsible for collecting and distributing royalties to songwriters, composers and music publishers.
Dispute Over Royalty Records
During the hearing, Peter was questioned about his earlier claim that Jude delayed for more than three months before providing P-Square’s royalty records after he requested them in 2022.
Jude’s lawyer told him that the request was made on October 16, 2022, and that the records were obtained and sent to him six days later, on October 22.
Peter disagreed, saying he had requested the documents earlier in the year.
However, when asked to provide a text message, email or other evidence showing an earlier request, he admitted that he could not.
“No. I don’t have any and I can’t recall,” Peter told the court.
Peter confirmed that he eventually received the royalty statement from Jude.
He said the records covered royalties from 2016 to 2022, including payments linked to Lex Records.
Peter Rejects Jude’s Claim
Peter told the court that he requested the records because some individuals were interested in purchasing the P-Square music catalogue.
He also confirmed that Jude sent him the account details in 2022 and that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, was aware that the documents had been forwarded to him.
However, Peter rejected Jude’s claim to a share of the SACEM royalties.
He maintained that the money belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye.
Peter also said the 10 songs that generated the SACEM royalties were P-Square songs.
Disagreement Over Management Role
The singer said Jude signed the SACEM agreement, but maintained that it was done on behalf of what he described as “the team.”
Peter rejected the suggestion that Jude was part of the P-Square team.
He also said he had previously given Jude 25 per cent of his SACEM earnings but denied that Jude later demanded quarterly payments after the royalties were reconciled in 2022.
When asked about claims that he received about $800,000 from SACEM between 2016 and 2026, Peter acknowledged receiving the money.
He, however, maintained that the funds belonged to the artists and that Jude received nothing from the payments.
Asked whether he informed Jude about the money, Peter replied: “No, the money was for the artists.”
Peter Says Jude Was Not a P-Square Member
Peter also told the court that he and Jude did not have an employment agreement.
He explained that their business relationship was conducted through Northside Entertainment Limited.
When asked whether Jude was a member of P-Square, Peter said: “Jude is not part of P-Square.”
He maintained that he and Paul wrote, composed and produced the group’s songs, while acknowledging that Jude directed some of P-Square’s music videos.
EFCC Case
Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are facing a seven-count charge filed by the EFCC over alleged fraud involving N1.3 billion and $1 million.
Jude has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The court adjourned the case until December 8 and 9, 2026, for further hearing.
