By Naija Whisperer | September 22, 2026
Singer Peter Okoye of P-Square has told a Federal High Court in Lagos that he received approximately $800,000 in royalties from SACEM for P-Square musical works but did not give any portion of the money to his elder brother, Jude Okoye.
Peter made the disclosure while testifying virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye during cross-examination by Jude Okoye's lawyer, Clement Onwuewunor, SAN. The testimony forms part of the ongoing criminal case involving Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited.
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Peter Okoye: “The money was for the artistes”
According to reports from Monday's proceedings, Peter acknowledged receiving about $800,000 from SACEM, the French organisation responsible for collecting and distributing music royalties.
However, he disputed Jude Okoye's entitlement to the payments, maintaining that the royalties belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye.
When asked whether he informed Jude about the payments, Peter reportedly responded:
“No, the money was for the artistes.”
Peter also maintained that Jude was not a member of P-Square, although he acknowledged that Jude directed some of the group's music videos. He told the court that he and Paul composed, wrote and produced P-Square's songs.
Dispute over P-Square royalty records
The cross-examination also focused on royalty records supplied by Jude.
Peter confirmed receiving a royalty report covering payments from 2016 to 2022, including records connected to Lex Records. He explained that the information had been requested partly because some individuals were reportedly interested in acquiring the P-Square music catalogue.
Peter had previously claimed that Jude took more than three months to provide the records. However, when defence counsel pointed out that a request dated October 16, 2022, was reportedly answered six days later, Peter was asked to provide evidence of an earlier request.
He responded that he did not have such evidence and could not recall the earlier request.
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What is the ₦1.3bn case about?
Jude Okoye and Northside Music Limited are facing a seven-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) involving allegations of financial offences, including approximately ₦1.3 billion and $1 million.
Jude and the company have pleaded not guilty to the charges. The allegations remain matters for determination by the court, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Peter's testimony regarding the SACEM royalties concerns the brothers' financial and royalty arrangements; it does not, by itself, establish that the $800,000 payments were proceeds of the alleged offences.
Jude's role and the SACEM agreement
The court also heard questions concerning an agreement with SACEM reportedly signed by Jude.
Peter maintained that the agreement was signed by “the team” and continued to dispute Jude's entitlement to the royalties. He also acknowledged that he had previously paid Jude a portion of his SACEM share but disputed claims that Jude subsequently demanded quarterly payments after a 2022 reconciliation.
The latest testimony adds another layer to the long-running dispute surrounding Peter, Paul and Jude Okoye, particularly over P-Square's music catalogue, management arrangements and royalty payments.
Court hearing adjourned
Following the latest proceedings, the court adjourned further hearing in the matter to December 8 and 9, 2026.
Naija Whisperer will continue to monitor the court proceedings and bring readers verified developments as they emerge.
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