Peter Okoye, one half of the former Nigerian music duo P-Square, has disclosed that he received approximately $800,000 in royalties from French collecting society SACEM for the group’s musical works.
The singer, however, told the Federal High Court in Lagos that his elder brother and former manager, Jude Okoye, did not receive any portion of the payment.
Peter made the disclosure while testifying virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye during cross-examination by Jude’s counsel, Clement Onwuewunor, SAN.
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 financial offences involving about ₦1.3 billion and $1 million. Jude has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, the court examined Peter’s earlier claim that Jude took more than three months to release P-Square’s backend royalty records after he requested them in 2022.
Under questioning, Peter was informed that the request was made on October 16 and that the records were supplied six days later. He maintained, however, that he had made a previous request before that date.
When asked to produce evidence of the earlier request, Peter admitted that he had none and could not remember the exact details.
The singer confirmed that he eventually received royalty records covering payments made between 2016 and 2022. According to him, the documents were sought because some individuals were considering purchasing P-Square’s music catalogue.
Peter also confirmed receiving about $800,000 from SACEM. He maintained that the money was meant for him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye, and not Jude.
When asked whether he informed Jude about the payment, Peter responded that the money was for the artists.
Peter further told the court that Jude was not a member of P-Square.
He acknowledged that Jude had been involved in directing some of the duo’s music videos but insisted that he and Paul were responsible for composing, writing and producing P-Square’s songs.
The ongoing case centres on allegations brought against Jude Okoye and Northside Music Limited by the EFCC. Jude has denied the charges.
Justice Alexander Owoeye adjourned the matter until December 8 and 9, 2026, for continuation of the hearing.
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