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

Nigerian singer Peter Okoye has told the Federal High Court in Lagos that he received more than $800,000 in royalties from French music rights organisation SACEM for musical works by the defunct P-Square group.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Okoye made the disclosure while testifying virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye during cross-examination by Clement Onwuewunor, SAN, counsel to his elder brother, Jude Okoye. The testimony formed part of the ongoing trial involving Jude and his company, Northside Music Limited.

Jude Okoye and Northside Music Limited are facing a seven-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations involving ₦1.3 billion and $1 million. Jude has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the allegations remain subject to determination by the court.

During the proceedings, Peter was questioned about his earlier claim that Jude took more than three months to provide P-Square’s backend royalty records after he requested them in 2022. Counsel to Jude told the court that the request was made on October 16, 2022, and that the records were obtained and forwarded to Peter six days later, on October 22.

Peter disagreed with that account, insisting that he had requested the records earlier in 2022. However, when asked to produce a text message, email or other document showing that he had made the request before October 16, he admitted that he had none and could not recall having documentary evidence of an earlier request.

The singer confirmed that he received the royalty report from Jude and said it covered payments from 2016 to 2022, including records relating to Lex Records. He explained that the information was requested because some individuals were interested in acquiring the P-Square music catalogue.

Peter also acknowledged that Jude forwarded account information to him in 2022 and that the EFCC was aware that the royalty report had been sent to him.

The cross-examination later focused on royalties paid through SACEM, the French organisation responsible for collecting and distributing royalties to songwriters, composers and music publishers. Peter confirmed receiving approximately $800,000 from SACEM but disputed Jude’s entitlement to any portion of the money.

According to Peter, the royalties belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye, as the artistes. He acknowledged that Jude had previously received a quarter of his SACEM share but denied that Jude remained entitled to quarterly payments after a reconciliation in 2022.

When asked whether he informed Jude about the SACEM payments, Peter said he did not, maintaining that the money was meant for the artistes. He also disputed Jude’s role in the group, telling the court that Jude was not a member of P-Square.

Peter further maintained that he and Paul composed, wrote and produced P-Square’s songs, although he acknowledged that Jude directed some of the group’s music videos. He also said he had no personal employment contract with Jude, explaining that their business arrangement operated through Northside Entertainment Limited.

Peter’s testimony is part of the evidence being tested in the ongoing case, and the court has not made a final determination on the disputed royalty entitlement or the fraud allegations against Jude and Northside Music Limited.

Justice Alexander Owoeye subsequently adjourned further proceedings in the case until December 8 and 9, 2026.