Peter Okoye has disclosed that he received more than $800,000 in royalties from France-based music rights organisation SACEM for songs recorded by his former group, P-Square.
The singer made the disclosure while testifying virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Peter was being cross-examined by Clement Onwuewunor, SAN, counsel to his brother, Jude Okoye, in an ongoing criminal case involving Jude and his company, Northside Music Limited.
SACEM is a French organisation that collects and distributes royalties on behalf of songwriters, composers and music publishers.
Dispute over royalty records
During the proceedings, Peter was questioned about his earlier testimony that Jude took more than three months to provide him with P-Square’s royalty records after he requested them in 2022.
Counsel pointed out that the request was made on October 16, 2022, while Jude sent the records six days later, on October 22.
Peter disagreed, maintaining that he had asked for the documents earlier that year.
However, when asked to produce a message, email or other evidence showing that he made the request before October 16, he said he could not.
“No. I don’t have any and I can’t recall,” Peter told the court.
He nevertheless confirmed that Jude eventually provided the royalty statement, which covered payments between 2016 and 2022, including royalties associated with Lex Records.
Peter said he sought the records because some individuals were interested in acquiring the P-Square music catalogue.
He also confirmed that Jude sent him the account details in 2022 and that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was aware that the documents had been forwarded to him.
Peter rejects Jude’s claim
A major point of contention during the testimony was who was entitled to royalties paid through SACEM.
Peter rejected Jude’s claim to a portion of the payments, insisting that the money belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye.
He acknowledged that the SACEM agreement was signed by Jude but said it was executed on behalf of “the team”.
Peter, however, maintained that Jude was not a member of P-Square.
He confirmed that 10 songs responsible for the SACEM payments were recorded by P-Square.
According to Peter, he had previously given Jude 25 per cent of his SACEM earnings but disputed the claim that Jude subsequently requested quarterly payments after the royalties were reconciled in 2022.
When asked about reports that he received approximately $800,000 from SACEM between 2016 and 2026, Peter admitted receiving the funds.
He maintained, however, that the money was paid to the artists and that Jude did not receive any of it.
Asked whether he informed Jude about the payments, Peter said: “No, the money was for the artists.”
Peter speaks on Jude’s role in P-Square
Peter also disputed the description of Jude as an employee or member of P-Square.
He told the court that he and Jude did not have an employment agreement, explaining that their business dealings were conducted through Northside Entertainment Limited.
Asked directly 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 of P-Square’s songs.
Peter acknowledged Jude’s involvement in directing some of the group’s music videos but maintained that this did not make him a member of the musical group.
EFCC case against Jude
Jude Okoye and Northside Music Limited are facing a seven-count charge brought by the EFCC over allegations involving N1.3 billion and $1 million.
Jude has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The case has been adjourned until December 8 and 9, 2026, for further hearing.
