PETER OKOYE TELLS COURT HE RECEIVED OVER $800,000 IN P-SQUARE ROYALTIES
Singer Peter Okoye has told the 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 former music duo P-Square.
Peter made the disclosure while testifying virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye during the ongoing case involving his brother, Jude Okoye.
He was cross-examined by Clement Onwuewunor, SAN, counsel representing Jude.
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 brought 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 cross-examination, Peter was questioned about his earlier testimony that Jude took more than three months to provide 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, insisting that he had requested the documents earlier in 2022.
However, when asked to produce a text message, email or other evidence showing that he had made the request before October 16, Peter admitted that 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 it covered payments from 2016 to 2022, including royalties associated with Lex Records.
He explained that he needed the records because some individuals were interested in purchasing the P-Square music catalogue.
Peter also confirmed that Jude sent him the relevant 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, Peter said it had been signed by “the team”.
He, however, maintained that Jude was not part of the team.
Peter further confirmed that the 10 songs generating the SACEM royalties were P-Square songs.
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.
When asked about claims that he received approximately $800,000 from SACEM between 2016 and 2026, Peter admitted receiving the funds.
He maintained, however, 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 money, 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, explaining that their business relationship was conducted through Northside Entertainment Limited.
Asked directly 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 all P-Square songs, while acknowledging that Jude directed some of the group’s music videos.
The court adjourned the matter to December 8 and 9, 2026, for further hearing.