Singer Peter Okoye of the defunct music group P-Square testified virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos, revealing that he received more than $800,000 in royalties from French music rights organisation SACEM. This testimony was part of his cross-examination by Clement Onwuewunor, SAN, counsel to his elder brother Jude Okoye, who faces fraud charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are facing a seven-count charge involving alleged N1.3 billion and $1 million fraud.
During the hearing, Peter Okoye disputed his earlier testimony that Jude Okoye took over three months to provide him with P-Square's backend royalty records after he requested them in 2022. Counsel to Jude Okoye pointed out that Peter made the request on October 16, 2022, and Jude obtained and forwarded the records six days later, on October 22, 2022. However, Peter insisted that he made the request earlier in 2022 but could not provide any documentary evidence to support his claim.
Peter Okoye confirmed that he received the royalty report sent by Jude Okoye, which covered royalties earned between 2016 and 2022, including records relating to Lex Records. He explained that he requested the report because some individuals were interested in acquiring the P-Square music catalogue. Additionally, Peter acknowledged that Jude had forwarded the account information to him in 2022 and that the EFCC was aware the report had been sent to him.
Peter Okoye disputed Jude's entitlement to royalties paid through SACEM, maintaining that the payments belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye. He claimed that the SACEM contract was signed by "the team" and insisted that Jude was not part of P-Square, despite his involvement in some aspects of the group's activities. Peter also acknowledged that he had previously paid Jude a quarter of his SACEM share but denied that Jude demanded quarterly payments after the reconciliation of the royalties in 2022.
Under cross-examination, Peter Okoye was confronted with the claim that he received approximately $800,000 from SACEM between 2016 and 2026. He admitted receiving the money but maintained that the funds were for the artists. When asked whether he informed Jude about the payments, Peter replied that he did not, stating that "the money was for the artists."
Peter Okoye was also questioned about Jude's role as manager of P-Square. He stated that he did not have an employment contract with his brother, explaining that their arrangement was through Northside Entertainment Limited. When asked whether Jude was a member of P-Square, Peter replied that Jude is not part of P-Square. He maintained that all P-Square songs were composed, written, and produced by him and Paul, although he acknowledged that Jude directed some of the group's music videos.
The court adjourned further hearing in the case to December 8 and 9, 2026. Key points from Peter Okoye's testimony include his admission of receiving over $800,000 in royalties from SACEM and his dispute of Jude's entitlement to these royalties. The case continues to unfold, with the EFCC alleging fraud against Jude Okoye and his company.
Key points
- Peter Okoye received over $800,000 in P-Square royalties from SACEM.
- Peter Okoye disputes Jude's entitlement to SACEM royalties.
- The court case against Jude Okoye and Northside Music Limited continues.
