Peter Okoye Admits Receiving $800,000 in P-Square Royalties

Singer Peter Okoye has admitted receiving about $800,000 in royalties from SACEM for P-Square’s musical works but said he did not give his elder brother, Jude Okoye, any share of the money.

Peter made the disclosure while testifying virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos during cross-examination by Jude’s lawyer, Clement Onwuewunor, SAN.

Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are facing a seven-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged fraud involving N1.3 billion and $1 million. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, Peter was questioned about his claim that Jude delayed in providing P-Square’s backend royalty records after he requested them in 2022.

When told that the request was made on October 16 and the records were provided six days later, Peter maintained that he had made an earlier request. However, when asked to produce evidence, he admitted, “No. I don’t have any and I can’t recall.”

Peter confirmed receiving the royalty report covering payments from 2016 to 2022 and said the records were requested because some people were interested in purchasing the P-Square music catalogue.

The cross-examination then turned to royalties paid by the French music rights organisation, SACEM. Peter acknowledged receiving approximately $800,000 but disputed Jude’s entitlement to the money, maintaining that it belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul.

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

Peter also acknowledged that Jude had signed the SACEM contract but maintained that it was signed on behalf of “the team”. He further confirmed that the 10 songs for which SACEM paid royalties were P-Square songs.

Asked whether Jude was a member 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, while acknowledging that Jude directed some of their music videos.

Peter also confirmed that he had previously paid a quarter of his SACEM share to Jude but denied that Jude was entitled to continued quarterly payments after their 2022 reconciliation.

On Jude’s role as manager, Peter said he had no employment contract with his elder brother, explaining that their arrangement was through Northside Entertainment Limited.

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