Peter Okoye Admits Receiving $800,000 P-Square Royalties
P-Square singer Peter Okoye has told a Federal High Court in Lagos that he received more than $800,000 in music royalties from French rights organisation SACEM but did not give any of the money to his elder brother and former group manager, Jude Okoye.
Peter made the disclosure while testifying virtually during the ongoing legal proceedings involving Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited.
The case was brought by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which has charged Jude and his company with seven counts relating to alleged fraud involving N1.3 billion and $1 million. Jude has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During cross-examination by Jude’s lawyer, Clement Onwuewunor, SAN, Peter acknowledged receiving royalties from SACEM, the French organisation responsible for collecting and distributing music royalties.
Peter maintained that the payments were intended for the performing artists — himself and his twin brother, Paul Okoye — and therefore said Jude was not entitled to a share.
He also told the court that he did not inform Jude about the payments.
The testimony also touched on Jude’s role in P-Square and the management of the group’s music catalogue. Peter maintained that Jude was not a member of P-Square, although he acknowledged that his elder brother directed some of the group’s music videos.
Peter further stated that all P-Square songs were composed, written and produced by himself and Paul.
The court also heard evidence concerning royalty records that Jude supplied to Peter in 2022. Peter confirmed receiving reports covering royalties from 2016 to 2022, including records connected to Lex Records.
According to the testimony, Peter had requested the records after potential buyers showed interest in acquiring the P-Square music catalogue.
A dispute emerged over when Peter made that request. Jude’s lawyer said the request was made on October 16, 2022, with the relevant records sent shortly afterwards. Peter maintained that he had made the request earlier in the year but acknowledged that he could not produce a message, email or document proving an earlier request.
Peter also acknowledged that the SACEM contract had been signed by Jude, although he maintained that it was signed on behalf of the team and argued that Jude was not entitled to the artist royalties.
The testimony adds another chapter to the long-running financial dispute surrounding the former P-Square members and their management arrangements.
Jude has previously rejected allegations of financial wrongdoing and maintained that disputed royalty payments and financial records had already been addressed during the EFCC investigation.
The court has adjourned the matter to December 8 and 9, 2026, when proceedings are expected to continue.
