Singer tells Lagos Federal High Court that royalties from P-Square songs were paid to him and his twin brother Paul, while disputing Jude Okoye’s entitlement to the proceeds.
Singer Peter Okoye of the defunct music duo P-Square has told a Federal High Court in Lagos that he received more than $800,000 in royalties from the French music rights organisation SACEM in connection with the group’s musical works.
Peter made the disclosure while testifying virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye and undergoing cross-examination by Clement Onwueunor (SAN), counsel to his elder brother, Jude Okoye.
The testimony formed part of proceedings in the criminal case involving Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, who are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial offences involving N1.3 billion and $1 million.
Jude and his company have pleaded not guilty to the seven-count charge.
Dispute over P-Square royalties
At the resumed hearing, Peter was questioned extensively about the management and distribution of royalties generated from P-Square’s music catalogue.
SACEM, the French professional organisation responsible for collecting and distributing royalties to songwriters, composers and publishers, features prominently in the dispute between the brothers.
Under cross-examination, Peter acknowledged receiving royalty payments from SACEM relating to P-Square songs but disputed Jude’s entitlement to the proceeds.
When confronted with the assertion that he had received approximately $800,000 from SACEM between 2016 and 2026, Peter admitted receiving the money.
He also acknowledged that he did not give Jude any portion of the payments.
Asked whether he informed Jude about the payments, Peter answered: “No, the money was for the artists.”
Peter maintained that the royalties belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye, despite questions about an agreement with SACEM that was signed by Jude.
Disagreement over SACEM agreement
During the proceedings, Peter was asked about the SACEM contract and whether it was signed by Jude rather than by him or Paul.
Peter maintained that the agreement was signed on behalf of “the team”, while insisting that Jude was not part of P-Square.
He also confirmed that the 10 songs for which SACEM paid royalties were songs recorded by P-Square.
The testimony brought into focus the longstanding disagreement over the respective roles of the brothers in the music group, particularly Jude’s involvement in management and business affairs surrounding P-Square.
When asked directly whether Jude was part of P-Square, Peter responded: “Jude is not part of P-Square.”
He further maintained that the group’s songs were composed, written and produced by himself and Paul.
Peter, however, acknowledged that Jude directed some of P-Square’s music videos.
Royalty records
The court also heard evidence concerning records of royalties generated by P-Square.
Peter was questioned about an earlier claim that Jude had taken more than three months to provide him with the group’s backend royalty records after he requested them in 2022.
Counsel to Jude put it to Peter that the request was actually made on October 16, 2022, and that Jude obtained and forwarded the records to him six days later, on October 22.
Peter disagreed, maintaining that he had made the request earlier in the year.
However, when asked to produce a text message, email or other document showing that he had made the request before October 16, 2022, Peter admitted: “No. I don’t have any and I can’t recall.”
He subsequently confirmed that he received the royalty report sent by Jude.
According to his testimony, the report covered royalty payments from 2016 to 2022 and included records relating to Lex Records.
Peter explained that the records were sought in connection with individuals who were interested in purchasing the P-Square music catalogue.
He also acknowledged that Jude had forwarded the account information to him in 2022 and that the EFCC was aware that the report had been sent to him.
Previous payments to Jude
Peter further admitted that he had previously paid Jude a quarter of his SACEM share.
He nevertheless denied that Jude subsequently demanded quarterly payments from the royalties following the reconciliation of their accounts in 2022.
The issue of Jude's role in the group's financial arrangements also featured prominently during the cross-examination.
When asked what he had paid Jude for his services as P-Square's manager, Peter said he did not have an employment contract with Jude.
He explained that the arrangement was instead connected to Northside Entertainment Limited.
Jude's role in P-Square
The cross-examination also sought to establish the extent of Jude's involvement in P-Square's musical activities.
Peter repeatedly distinguished between Jude's role in the group's management and the creative work carried out by himself and Paul.
Asked whether saying Jude was not a member of P-Square meant that he had no involvement in music produced by the group, Peter maintained that he and Paul were responsible for composing, writing and producing the group's songs.
He nevertheless acknowledged Jude's involvement in directing some of the group's music videos.
The evidence is part of a broader dispute over the ownership, management and proceeds associated with P-Square's musical catalogue.
Case continues
Jude Okoye and Northside Music Limited are facing a seven-count charge brought by the EFCC involving allegations of fraud amounting to N1.3 billion and $1 million. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty.
The proceedings have brought financial records, royalty payments and the business arrangements surrounding P-Square's music catalogue before the court.
Peter's evidence was given virtually during the latest sitting, with his testimony subjected to detailed questioning by Jude's counsel.
Further hearing in the matter has been adjourned to December 8 and 9, 2026.