Singer Peter Okoye has revealed that he received more than $800,000 in royalties from SACEM for songs recorded by his former music group, P-Square.
Peter made the revelation while testifying virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye at the Federal High Court in Lagos in the ongoing legal battle involving his twin brother, Paul Okoye, and their elder brother, Jude Okoye.
The singer was cross-examined by Clement Onwuewunor, SAN, counsel to Jude.
SACEM is a France-based music rights organisation responsible for collecting and distributing royalties to songwriters, composers and music publishers.
Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are facing a seven-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged fraud involving N1.3 billion and $1 million. Jude has pleaded not guilty.
Peter Okoye speaks on P-Square royalty records
During the hearing, Peter was questioned about his earlier claim that Jude delayed for more than three months before providing him with P-Square’s royalty records after he requested them in 2022.
Jude’s lawyer told the singer that the request was made on October 16, 2022, and that the documents were obtained and sent to Peter six days later, on October 22.
Peter disagreed, insisting that he had requested the records earlier in 2022.
However, when asked to produce a text message, email or other evidence showing that he made the request before October 16, Peter admitted that he could not.
“No. I don’t have any and I can’t recall,” he said.
Peter confirmed that he eventually received the royalty statement from Jude, adding that it covered payments from 2016 to 2022, including royalties linked to Lex Records.
According to him, he needed the documents because some individuals were interested in buying the P-Square music catalogue.
Peter rejects Jude’s claim to SACEM royalties
Peter also confirmed that Jude sent him the account details in 2022 and that the EFCC was aware that the documents had been forwarded to him.
However, he rejected Jude’s claim to a share of the SACEM royalties, insisting that the money belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul.
When questioned about the SACEM agreement, which was signed by Jude rather than Peter or Paul, the singer said it was signed by “the team.”
He, however, insisted that Jude was not a member of the team.
Peter confirmed that the 10 songs responsible for the SACEM royalties were P-Square songs.
He said he had previously given Jude 25 per cent of his SACEM earnings, but denied that Jude later demanded quarterly payments after the royalties were reconciled in 2022.
Peter confirms receiving over $800,000
When asked about claims that he received about $800,000 from SACEM between 2016 and 2026, Peter admitted receiving the money.
He, however, maintained that the funds belonged to the artists and that Jude did not receive any part of the payments.
Asked if he informed Jude about the money, Peter replied: “No, the money was for the artists.”
Peter Okoye denies Jude was part of P-Square
On Jude’s role as P-Square’s manager, Peter said they did not have an employment agreement, explaining that their business arrangement was through Northside Entertainment Limited.
When asked whether Jude was a member of P-Square, Peter stated: “Jude is not part of P-Square.”
He further maintained that he and Paul wrote, composed and produced all P-Square songs, although he acknowledged that Jude directed some of the group’s music videos.
The court has adjourned the case until December 8 and 9, 2026, for further hearing.