Singer Peter Okoye has told a Federal High Court in Lagos that he received about $800,000 in royalties from SACEM for musical works associated with the defunct music group, P-Square.
Peter made the disclosure while testifying virtually during the ongoing trial involving his elder brother, Jude Okoye, and Northside Music Limited.
Jude and his company are facing a seven-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial crimes involving about ₦1.3 billion and $1 million. Jude has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Peter was questioned by Jude’s lawyer, Clement Onwuewunor, SAN, about royalty records relating to P-Square’s music.
The lawyer asked Peter about his earlier claim that Jude had delayed in providing P-Square’s backend royalty records after he requested them in 2022. Peter maintained that he had made the request earlier than the date stated by the defence but acknowledged that he could not provide evidence of the earlier request and could not remember the exact date.
Peter confirmed that he received royalty records covering payments made between 2016 and 2022. He explained that the records were requested at a time when some individuals were interested in acquiring P-Square’s music catalogue.
When questioned about payments made by SACEM, the French organisation responsible for collecting and distributing royalties to music creators and rights holders, Peter confirmed that he received approximately $800,000.
However, he maintained that Jude was not entitled to the money.
Asked whether he informed Jude about the payments, Peter reportedly responded: “No, the money was for the artists.”
Peter also maintained that Jude was not a member of P-Square, stating that he and his twin brother, Paul, were responsible for composing, writing and producing the group’s songs.
He acknowledged, however, that Jude had directed some of P-Square’s music videos.
During the proceedings, Peter also confirmed that the royalties in question related to 10 P-Square songs. He further acknowledged that he had previously paid Jude a quarter of his SACEM share, but denied that Jude was entitled to continued quarterly payments after the brothers’ royalty reconciliation in 2022.
The court adjourned further hearing in the matter to December 8 and 9, 2026.
