Singer Peter Okoye has told the Federal High Court in Lagos that he received approximately $800,000 in royalties from French music rights organisation SACEM but did not give any portion of the money to his elder brother, Jude Okoye.
Peter made the disclosure while testifying virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye during cross-examination by Jude’s counsel, Clement Onwuewunor, SAN.
When asked about the royalties, Peter maintained that the money was meant for him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye, as the artistes behind P-Square’s music. He also said he did not inform Jude about the payments.
Peter disputed Jude’s entitlement to the royalties, despite acknowledging that Jude had signed the SACEM agreement. He maintained that the agreement was signed on behalf of “the team” and insisted that Jude was not a member of P-Square.
The singer, however, acknowledged Jude’s involvement in the group’s career, including directing some of P-Square’s music videos. He also confirmed that he had previously paid Jude a quarter of his SACEM share, but denied that his elder brother was entitled to continued payments after their 2022 reconciliation.
Peter also told the court that he had no direct employment contract with Jude, saying their managerial arrangement was through Northside Entertainment Limited. He maintained that P-Square’s songs were composed, written and produced by himself and Paul.
The testimony forms part of the ongoing trial of Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, in a seven-count case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) involving alleged fraud of N1.3 billion and $1 million. Jude has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The court also heard that Peter had received royalty records covering 2016 to 2022 from Jude in 2022, although the two sides disagreed over when Peter initially requested the records. Further hearing has been adjourned to December 8 and 9, 2026.