Singer Peter Okoye has told a Federal High Court in Lagos that he received more than $800,000 in royalties from France-based music rights organisation, SACEM, for songs recorded by former music group, P-Square.
Peter made the disclosure while giving evidence virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye. He was cross-examined by Clement Onwuewunor, SAN, counsel to his brother, Jude Okoye.
SACEM is responsible for collecting and distributing royalties to songwriters, composers and music publishers.
Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are facing a seven-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged fraud involving N1.3 billion and $1 million. Jude has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During the proceedings, Peter was questioned about his earlier claim that Jude took more than three months to provide him with P-Square’s royalty records after he requested them in 2022.
His lawyer told the court that the request was made on October 16, 2022, and that Jude obtained and forwarded the records six days later, on October 22.
Peter disagreed, insisting that he had requested the documents earlier in the year. However, when asked to provide a text message, email or other evidence to support his claim, he admitted that he could not.
Peter confirmed that he later received the royalty statement from Jude. According to him, the statement covered royalties from 2016 to 2022, including payments connected to Lex Records.
He explained that he requested the records because some individuals were interested in purchasing the P-Square music catalogue.
Peter also confirmed that Jude sent him the account details in 2022 and that the EFCC was aware that the documents had been sent to him.
However, he rejected Jude’s claim to a share of the SACEM royalties, insisting that the money belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul.
When questioned about the SACEM agreement, which was signed by Jude instead of Peter or Paul, Peter said it was signed by “the team.” He, however, maintained that Jude was not a member of P-Square.
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.
When asked about claims that he received about $800,000 from SACEM between 2016 and 2026, Peter admitted receiving the money.
He, however, maintained that the money belonged to the artists and that Jude did not receive any of the payments.
Asked whether he informed Jude about the money, Peter said, “No, the money was for the artists.”
On Jude’s role as P-Square’s manager, Peter said the brothers did not have an employment agreement with him. He explained that their business relationship was conducted through Northside Entertainment Limited.
When asked whether Jude was a member of P-Square, Peter replied, “Jude is not part of P-Square.”
He further maintained that he and Paul wrote, composed and produced all the songs released by P-Square, while acknowledging that Jude directed some of the group’s music videos.
The court adjourned the case until December 8 and 9, 2026, for further hearing.