Peter Okoye, one half of the defunct Nigerian music duo P-Square, has told the Federal High Court in Lagos that he received approximately $800,000 in royalties from French music rights organisation SACEM for P-Square’s musical works between 2016 and 2026, but did not give any portion of the money to his elder brother and former manager, Jude Okoye.
Key Highlights
- Peter Okoye told the court he received about $800,000 in SACEM royalties linked to P-Square songs.
- He said none of the money was paid to his elder brother, Jude Okoye.
- Peter maintained that the royalties belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye, as the artistes.
- He acknowledged that Jude had previously received a quarter of his SACEM share.
- Peter also confirmed receiving P-Square royalty records from Jude covering 2016 to 2022.
- Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are facing a seven-count EFCC fraud charge and have pleaded not guilty.
- The case has been adjourned until December 8 and 9, 2026.
Peter made the disclosure on Monday, September 21, 2026, while testifying virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye during cross-examination by Clement Onwuewunor, SAN, counsel to Jude Okoye.
Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are standing trial on a seven-count charge filed 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 the cross-examination, Peter confirmed that the SACEM payments were linked to about 10 P-Square songs.
When confronted with the approximately $800,000 received from SACEM over the period, Peter acknowledged receiving the money but said none of it was given to Jude.
Asked whether he informed Jude about the payments, Peter said the money was for the artistes.
He maintained that the royalties belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye, and disputed Jude’s entitlement to the payments.
Peter also told the court that he had previously paid Jude a quarter of his SACEM share but denied that Jude remained entitled to quarterly payments following a reconciliation in 2022.
Peter Disputes Jude’s Role In P-Square Royalties
During the proceedings, Peter disputed the claim that Jude was entitled to a share of the SACEM royalties because of his former managerial role in P-Square.
When asked whether Jude was part of P-Square, Peter said: “Jude is not part of P-Square.”
He maintained that he and Paul composed, wrote and produced the group’s songs, although he acknowledged that Jude directed some of P-Square’s music videos.
Peter also said he had no personal employment contract with Jude, explaining that their management arrangement operated through Northside Entertainment Limited.
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Peter Confirms Receiving Royalty Records From Jude
The cross-examination also focused on royalty records that Jude provided to Peter in 2022.
Peter confirmed that he received a royalty report covering the period from 2016 to 2022, including records relating to Lex Records.
He told the court that the report was requested because some individuals were interested in acquiring the P-Square music catalogue.
Jude’s counsel put it to Peter that the request for the records was made on October 16, 2022, and that Jude obtained and sent them six days later.
Peter maintained that he had made the request earlier in 2022. However, when asked to provide documentary evidence of an earlier request, he admitted that he did not have any and could not recall.
Peter also confirmed that Jude forwarded account information to him in 2022 and that the EFCC was aware that the royalty report had been sent to him.
Court Adjourns Case
The ongoing case centres on allegations brought by the EFCC against Jude Okoye and Northside Music Limited. The defendants have denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.
Peter’s testimony forms part of the evidence being tested during the trial, and the court has not made a final determination on the disputed royalty entitlements or the broader fraud allegations.
Justice Alexander Owoeye subsequently adjourned further proceedings until December 8 and 9, 2026.
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