By Paul Joseph
Peter Okoye, one half of the defunct Nigerian music duo P-Square, has told the Federal High Court in Lagos that he received about $800,000 in royalties from French music rights organisation SACEM for the group’s musical works between 2016 and 2026.
Testifying virtually on Monday, September 21, 2026, during cross-examination, Peter said none of the royalties he received from SACEM was paid to his elder brother and former manager, Jude Okoye.
The testimony was given before Justice Alexander Owoeye while Peter was being questioned by Clement Onwuewunor, SAN, counsel to Jude.
Peter confirmed that the payments were linked to about 10 P-Square songs but maintained that the royalties belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye, as the artistes behind the group’s music.
When confronted with the approximately $800,000 received from SACEM, Peter acknowledged the payments but disputed Jude’s entitlement to any portion of the money.
He told the court that the royalties were meant for the artistes, adding that he and Paul composed, wrote and produced P-Square’s songs. He, however, acknowledged that Jude directed some of the group’s music videos.
Peter also admitted that Jude had previously received a quarter of his SACEM share but maintained that the arrangement did not give his elder brother entitlement to the payments in dispute.
The cross-examination also centred on royalty documents Jude allegedly provided to Peter in 2022.
Peter confirmed receiving a royalty report covering 2016 to 2022, including records relating to Lex Records.
According to his testimony, the report was requested at a time when some individuals were interested in acquiring the P-Square music catalogue.
Jude’s lawyer put it to Peter that the request for the records was made on October 16, 2022, and that Jude obtained and forwarded the documents to him six days later.
Peter maintained that he had made the request earlier in 2022 but admitted that he had no documentary evidence to establish the earlier request and could not recall the exact details.
He also confirmed that Jude forwarded account information to him in 2022 and that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was aware that the royalty report had been sent to him.
Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are standing trial before the Federal High Court in Lagos on a seven-count charge filed by the EFCC over alleged fraud involving N1.3 billion and $1 million.
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Peter’s testimony forms part of the evidence being tested in the ongoing proceedings. The court has not made a final determination on the disputed royalty entitlements or the broader allegations against the defendants.
The case was subsequently adjourned until December 8 and 9, 2026, for continuation of proceedings.
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