Singer Peter Okoye has told a Federal High Court in Lagos that he received more than $800,000 in royalties from SACEM, a France-based music rights organisation, for songs recorded by the former music group, P-Square. This disclosure was made while testifying virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye. Peter was cross-examined by Clement Onwuewunor, SAN, who is representing his brother, Jude Okoye. The case involves a seven-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited.
Jude Okoye and his company are facing allegations of fraud involving N1.3 billion and $1 million. Jude has pleaded not guilty to the charges. During the hearing, Peter was questioned about his earlier statement that Jude delayed for more than three months before giving him P-Square’s royalty records after he requested them in 2022. His lawyer claimed that the request was made on October 16, 2022, and that Jude obtained and sent the records six days later, on October 22.
However, Peter disagreed with the claim that he made the request on October 16, 2022. He stated that he had asked for the records earlier in 2022, but when asked to provide evidence, such as a text message or email, he admitted that he could not. Peter confirmed that he eventually received the royalty statement from Jude, which covered royalties from 2016 to 2022, including payments linked to Lex Records.
Peter told the court that he wanted the records because some people were interested in buying the P-Square music catalogue. He also confirmed that Jude sent him the account details in 2022 and that the EFCC knew the documents had been forwarded to him. However, he rejected Jude’s claim to a share of the SACEM royalties, saying the money belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul.
When asked about the SACEM agreement, which was signed by Jude rather than Peter or Paul, Peter said it was signed by “the team”. He insisted that Jude was not a member of the team. Peter also confirmed that the 10 songs that generated the SACEM royalties were P-Square songs. He 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.
Peter admitted receiving about $800,000 from SACEM between 2016 and 2026, but said the funds belonged to the artists and that Jude received nothing from the payments. He also stated that he did not inform Jude about the money, saying: “No, the money was for the artists.” On Jude’s position as P-Square’s manager, Peter said they did not have an employment agreement with each other.
The court adjourned the case until December 8 and 9, 2026, for further hearing. Key points in the case include Peter Okoye's testimony that he received over $800,000 in P-Square royalties from SACEM, his denial of Jude Okoye's claim to a share of the royalties, and the court's adjournment of the case for further hearing.
Key points
- Peter Okoye received over $800,000 in P-Square royalties from SACEM.
- Peter Okoye denied Jude Okoye's claim to a share of the SACEM royalties.
- The court adjourned the case until December 8 and 9, 2026, for further hearing.
