Peter Okoye admits receiving over $800,000 in P-Square royalties from French music rights organisation

Peter Okoye, a member of the defunct Nigerian music group, P-Square has told a Lagos Federal High Court that he received more than $800,000 in royalties from French music rights organisation SACEM for songs recorded by P-Square.

The singer disclosed while testifying virtually in the case involving his elder brother, Jude Okoye, who is facing fraud charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Peter was cross-examined by Clement Onwuewunor, SAN, counsel for Jude, before Justice Alexander Owoeye.

During the proceedings, Peter confirmed that the royalties were paid between 2016 and 2026 but maintained that the money belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye.

Asked whether he had informed Jude about the payments, Peter said: “No, the money was for the artists.”

Jude and his company, Northside Music Limited, are facing a seven-count charge involving alleged fraud of N1.3 billion and $1 million. He has pleaded not guilty.

Peter was also questioned about his earlier claim that Jude delayed in providing P-Square's royalty records after he requested them in 2022.

Counsel put it to him that the request was made on October 16, 2022, and that Jude supplied the records six days later, on October 22. Peter maintained that he had requested the documents earlier but admitted that he had no text message, email or other evidence to support the claim.

The singer said the records he eventually received covered royalties from 2016 to 2022, including payments connected to Lex Records.

He explained that he wanted the documents because some individuals were interested in purchasing the P-Square music catalogue.

Peter also rejected Jude's claim to a share of the SACEM royalties, insisting that the payments were due to the P-Square artistes.

When questioned about a SACEM agreement signed by Jude, Peter said it was signed on behalf of “the team” but maintained that Jude was not a member of P-Square.

He further told the court that he and Paul wrote, composed and produced the group's songs, although he acknowledged that Jude directed some of their music videos.

Peter also said 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.

On Jude's role as manager, Peter said they had no 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.”

The court adjourned the case to December 8 and 9, 2026, for further hearing.