Peter Okoye tells court he received over $800,000 in P-Square royalties

Peter Okoye Testifies in Court About Music Royalties

LAGOS — Singer Peter Okoye testified in a Federal High Court that he received over $800,000 in royalties from the France-based music rights organization SACEM for songs produced by the former music duo P-Square.

Okoye made the statement while appearing via video link before Justice Alexander Owoeye. During the proceedings, he was cross-examined by Clement Onwuewunor, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria representing 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 currently facing a seven-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) concerning alleged fraud involving N1.3 billion and $1 million. Jude has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

During the court hearing, Peter Okoye was questioned about his prior statement indicating that Jude Okoye delayed more than three months before providing the requested royalty records in 2022. His lawyer stated that the request was made on October 16, 2022, and noted that Jude sent the documents just six days later.

Peter contested this timeline, asserting he sought the records earlier in 2022 but could not provide any evidence to support his claim when asked for text messages or emails. “No. I don’t have any, and I can’t recall,” he said in response.

He confirmed that he ultimately received the royalty statement from Jude, which covered payments from 2016 to 2022, including those related to Lex Records. Peter stated he sought these records due to interest from potential buyers of the P-Square music catalog.

He also acknowledged that Jude provided him with account details in 2022, and indicated that the EFCC was aware that the documents had been sent to him. However, Peter disputed Jude’s assertion of claiming a share of the SACEM royalties, asserting that the funds rightfully belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul.

Further questioning revealed that while Jude signed the SACEM agreement, Peter described it as being completed by “the team” and emphasized that Jude was not part of that team. He confirmed that the ten songs generating the SACEM royalties were indeed from P-Square.

Peter stated he had previously shared 25 percent of his SACEM earnings with Jude but denied that Jude later sought quarterly payments following a reconciliation of royalties in 2022.

When asked about the $800,000 he received from SACEM, Peter reiterated that the money was meant for the artists and not for Jude. “No, the money was for the artists,” he said when asked if he informed Jude of the payment.

Regarding Jude’s role with P-Square, Peter clarified that they did not have an employment agreement with one another. Their business arrangement was through Northside Entertainment Limited, and he maintained, “Jude is not part of P-Square.” He also stated that he and Paul were responsible for writing, composing, and producing all P-Square songs, although he acknowledged that Jude directed several of their music videos.

The court adjourned the case until December 8 and 9, 2026, for further hearings.

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